Git & GitHub for Beginners – Your First Step in Collaboration

1. What is Git?

• Git is a version control system (VCS).

• Imagine writing an essay → you save multiple versions (v1, v2, final, final-final 😅).

• Git helps track changes in code/files without creating messy copies.

• It also lets multiple people work together on the same project without overwriting each other’s work.

👉 Think of Git as a time machine for your code.

Git for Begginers

2. What is GitHub?

• GitHub is a cloud platform that hosts Git repositories online.

• While Git works on your computer, GitHub helps you:

  • Store your code safely online.

  • Share your projects with others.

  • Collaborate with teammates (like Google Docs, but for code).

👉 Git = tool on your system, GitHub = online platform for collaboration.

GitHub for Beginners

3. Why Should Freshers Learn Git & GitHub?

• Every IT company (from startups to MNCs) uses Git & GitHub.

• Shows teamwork and collaboration skills in resumes.

• Makes your personal projects visible to recruiters.

• Essential for open-source contributions.

4. Key Terms You Need to Know

Term	Meaning
Repository (Repo)	Folder to store your project (like a container).
Commit	A saved version of your work (like pressing Save, but smarter).
Branch	A copy of your project where you can try changes without affecting the main one.
Merge	Combining changes from one branch into another.
Push	Uploading local changes to GitHub.
Pull	Downloading changes from GitHub to your system.
Clone	Copying an existing GitHub repo to your computer.

5. Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

🖥️ A) Install Git

1. Go to https://git-scm.com → Download & Install.

2. Check installation:

   git --version

🌐 B) Create a GitHub Account

1. Sign up at https://github.com.

2. Set up your profile → add photo, bio, and skills (good for recruiters).

📂 C) Create Your First Repository

1. On GitHub → Click New Repository.

2. Give it a name, e.g., my-first-project.

3. Add README file → it explains your project.

⌨️ D) Basic Git Commands to Remember

Open terminal/command prompt and follow:

1. Configure Git (first time only):

   git config --global user.name "Your Name" git config --global user.email "youremail@example.com"

2. Clone the repository (download to local):

   git clone https://github.com/yourusername/my-first-project.git

3. Add a file to your repo:

   cd my-first-project echo "Hello GitHub" > hello.txt

4. Track the file:

   git add hello.txt

5. Save the version (commit):

   git commit -m "Added hello.txt file"

6. Push to GitHub (upload online):

   git push origin main

Now check GitHub → your file is there ✅

🤝 E) Collaborating with Others

• Fork a Repo: Copy someone’s project to your GitHub account.

• Pull Request: Suggest changes to someone else’s project.

• Issues: Report bugs or request new features.

👉 This is how open-source projects grow worldwide.

6. Mini Project Idea (Practice Task)

• Create a repo named “my-notes”.

• Add simple text files with your learning notes.

• Commit and push changes daily.

• Share the repo link in your resume – shows learning + GitHub skills.

7. Next Steps After Basics

• Learn branching & merging → teamwork simulation.

• Explore GitHub Actions (automation).

• Contribute to open-source (search “good first issue” on GitHub).

Conclusion

Git & GitHub may feel confusing at first, but once you start practicing, it becomes second nature. As a fresher, mastering GitHub will:

• Make your resume stand out.

• Show recruiters that you can work in real-world IT teams.

• Open the door to open-source projects and global collaboration.

👉 Start today: Create your first repo, add a file, and push it. Congratulations, you’re officially on GitHub

Follow us : https://www.linkedin.com/company/traceroute-global-services/?viewAsMember=true

Visit us: www.tracerouteglobal.org

Mail us: info@tracerouteglobal.org