Exercise: Introduction To GitHub
Introduction to GitHub

Welcome to Your GitHub Journey!
👋 Hey there, Zghadie! Welcome to your Skills exercise! If you're new to GitHub, you're in the right place. In this exercise, we'll introduce you to the basics of GitHub and help you get started with using this powerful tool for collaboration and version control.
What is GitHub?
GitHub is a web-based platform that allows developers to host and manage their code, track changes, and collaborate with others. It's a popular choice among developers, and for good reason. With GitHub, you can create a repository (a collection of files and folders) and share it with others, making it easy to collaborate and work together on projects.
The Basics of GitHub
As you complete each step in this exercise, I'll respond in the comments to:
- Check your work and give feedback
- Share next steps
- Occasionally share tips
- Congratulate you when you finish!
Step 1: Creating a GitHub Account
To get started with GitHub, you'll need to create an account. Don't worry, it's easy! Just head over to github.com and click on the "Sign up" button. Fill out the registration form with your email address, username, and password. Once you've created your account, you'll be taken to your dashboard.
Step 2: Creating a New Repository
Creating a New Repository
Now that you have a GitHub account, it's time to create a new repository. A repository is a collection of files and folders that you can use to store your code. To create a new repository, follow these steps:
- Log in to your GitHub account.
- Click on the "+" button in the top right corner of the screen.
- Select "New repository" from the dropdown menu.
- Fill out the repository name, description, and choose a license.
- Click on the "Create repository" button.
Step 3: Understanding GitHub Terminology
GitHub Terminology
As you work with GitHub, you'll encounter some new terminology. Here are a few key terms to get you started:
- Repository: A collection of files and folders that you can use to store your code.
- Branch: A separate line of development in your repository.
- Commit: A snapshot of your code at a particular point in time.
- Pull request: A request to merge changes from one branch into another.
- Issue: A bug or feature request in your code.
Step 4: Creating a New Branch
Creating a New Branch
Now that you have a repository, it's time to create a new branch. A branch is a separate line of development in your repository. To create a new branch, follow these steps:
- Log in to your GitHub account.
- Navigate to your repository.
- Click on the "New branch" button.
- Fill out the branch name and description.
- Click on the "Create branch button.
Step 5: Committing Changes
Committing Changes
Now that you have a new branch, it's time to commit some changes. Committing changes is a way to save a snapshot of your code at a particular point in time. To commit changes, follow these steps:
- Log in to your GitHub account.
- Navigate to your repository.
- Click on the "Commit" button.
- Fill out the commit message.
- Click on the "Commit" button.
Step 6: Creating a Pull Request
Creating a Pull Request
Now that you have committed some changes, it's time to create a pull request. A pull request is a request to merge changes from one branch into another. To create a pull request, follow these steps:
- Log in to your GitHub account.
- Navigate to your repository.
- Click on the "New pull request" button.
- Fill out the pull request title and description.
- Click on the "Create pull request" button.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You've completed the exercise and learned the basics of GitHub. You now know how to create a new repository, create a new branch, commit changes, and create a pull request. These are just a few of the many features that GitHub has to offer. With practice and experience, you'll become a pro at using GitHub in no time.
What's Next?
Introduction
GitHub is a powerful tool for collaboration and version control, but it can be overwhelming for beginners. In this article, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about GitHub to help you get started.
Q1: What is GitHub?
A1: GitHub is a web-based platform that allows developers to host and manage their code, track changes, and collaborate with others.
Q2: How do I create a GitHub account?
A2: To create a GitHub account, simply head over to github.com and click on the "Sign up" button. Fill out the registration form with your email address, username, and password.
Q3: What is a repository?
A3: A repository is a collection of files and folders that you can use to store your code. Think of it like a digital file cabinet where you can store and organize your code.
Q4: What is a branch?
A4: A branch is a separate line of development in your repository. It's like a separate folder where you can work on a specific feature or bug fix without affecting the main codebase.
Q5: What is a commit?
A5: A commit is a snapshot of your code at a particular point in time. It's like taking a photo of your code to save a specific version of it.
Q6: What is a pull request?
A6: A pull request is a request to merge changes from one branch into another. It's like asking someone to review and merge your changes into the main codebase.
Q7: How do I create a new repository?
A7: To create a new repository, follow these steps:
- Log in to your GitHub account.
- Click on the "+" button in the top right corner of the screen.
- Select "New repository" from the dropdown menu.
- Fill out the repository name, description, and choose a license.
- Click on the "Create repository" button.
Q8: How do I create a new branch?
A8: To create a new branch, follow these steps:
- Log in to your GitHub account.
- Navigate to your repository.
- Click on the "New branch" button.
- Fill out the branch name and description.
- Click on the "Create branch" button.
Q9: How do I commit changes?
A9: To commit changes, follow these steps:
- Log in to your GitHub account.
- Navigate to your repository.
- Click on the "Commit" button.
- Fill out the commit message.
- Click on the "Commit" button.
Q10: How do I create a pull request?
A10: To create a pull request, follow these steps:
- Log in to your GitHub account.
- Navigate to your repository.
- Click on the "New pull request" button.
- Fill out the pull request title and description.
- Click on the "Create pull request" button.
Q11: What is GitHub Desktop?
A11: GitHub Desktop is a free app that allows you to manage your GitHub repositories and collaborate with others on your local machine.
Q12: What is GitHub PagesA12: GitHub Pages is a feature that allows you to host static websites directly from your GitHub repository.
Q13: How do I use GitHub with other tools and services?
A13: GitHub can be integrated with a wide range of tools and services, including project management tools, continuous integration and deployment tools, and more. To learn more, check out the GitHub documentation.
Q14: What is the difference between GitHub Free and GitHub Pro?
A14: GitHub Free is a free plan that includes unlimited public repositories, 2 private repositories, and 1,000 collaborators. GitHub Pro is a paid plan that includes unlimited private repositories, 5,000 collaborators, and more.
Q15: How do I get help with GitHub?
A15: You can get help with GitHub by checking out the GitHub documentation, asking questions on the GitHub community forum, or reaching out to GitHub support.
We hope this Q&A article has helped you get started with GitHub! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.