What is Git and How to Use It?

What is Git and How to Use It?

The increasingly digitized modern world has started to incorporate technology into people's lives at different levels. The common ground on which all technological developments take root is undoubtedly software programs. Therefore, many professionals from various fields want to have knowledge about these tools. Git and GitHub are among the most curious software development systems. To answer questions like what Git is and how to fully grasp its meaning, a comprehensive examination is required.

What is Git and What is its Purpose?

Git is, in short, a version control system. Version control allows multiple people to work on a project from different computers and enables simultaneous recording of changes made to the project. This recording process facilitates access to a detailed record of versions, meaning every new change. To further elaborate on the question of what Git is and what its purpose is, this system allows different programmers to make their own modifications on a common base and enables others to access the editing history. This system is essentially a kind of version history or version control list. In summary, Git is a version control system that enables collaboration and prevents the likelihood of confusion.

What is GitHub?

Following the brief introduction to the question "What is Git?" in the previous section, this section will provide an answer to what GitHub is. GitHub is a storage space for Git, which was announced in 2005 and has become quite popular among programmers today. GitHub is a cloud-based client that hosts numerous open-source projects. Widely used among programmers, GitHub is a large platform that enables organization. The main code within this platform becomes easily amendable by all team members, significantly reducing the error rate. Ensuring that the changes made by members do not break the main code prevents any damage that could alter the fate of the project. Therefore, the question "What is GitHub?" can be answered as one of the project development platforms preferred by professional enterprises and known for its user-friendly interface.

How to Use Git?

To work on a shared project with your team, you need to create a GitHub account. So, let's list the steps you need to take:

• Firstly, you can start by choosing a plan. The plan you choose will determine the features of your storage space and provide you with various options. Then, you can begin making the necessary important changes to your account.
   
• On the page that opens, click on the "New" icon in the upper right corner to get started. This is necessary to create a new repository. Then, enter the required information to create a new repository.
   
• After adding files, you will notice the "main default branch" statement at the bottom of the page. Branching is one of the most important concepts you need to understand when using Git. All changes made around the main code are actually performed by a branch. In other words, a branch is an extension created by each member to propose changes around the main code without breaking it. Through these extensions, everyone can make changes, but since the main code is preserved, you can easily return to it. This stage is actually the final step in creating your repository.
   
• After explaining what Git is and how to use it, the next important concept is "commit." A commit allows for the storage of versions. Each transitional channel, provider, or holder in each version transition is called a commit.
   
• In the created repository, you can first see the "initial commit," which refers to the version sent at the beginning. Through commits, any branch accessed from the main file can be modified, and the history of these changes can be recorded.

What are the Advantages of Using Git?

To answer questions like what is Git and how it is used in the software field, it is helpful to discuss the advantages of the system. Some of the advantages of using Git can be listed as follows:

• You can always stay in touch with your team members. When working with other members on a shared project, you will always be aware of what they are doing. This makes it easier to be a well-organized team.
   
• Through GitHub, you can open your version for discussion. With the repository, others can propose improvements for your project, and they can make these changes without affecting your original version.
   
• You can propose collaboration with other project owners for your own project. Through GitHub, the project owner can review your version and approve or reject your participation. You can make use of the "pull request" option for this.
   
• You can find main projects to contribute to. GitHub is a vast repository that hosts many original ideas. By enriching existing repositories with your own version, you can create something entirely new.
   
• Git efficiently manages coordination. Git prevents potential confusion for a project that always needs improvements, creating an efficient working environment by enabling team members to communicate in the healthiest way.
   
• With Git, even those who request a project can be involved in every process. Requesters can propose their own versions using GitHub, just like developers. This ensures a highly organized workflow between the developer and the requester.
   
• You can add different features to projects through forks. With forking in a project, you can add new features while remaining connected to the main source. This feature allows you to think in a much more creative way.

Important Git Commands

Git commands provide a form of localization service. In other words, these commands allow you to create a synchronized working network between your computer and your GitHub account.

1. With the "git config" command, you can manage the configuration between your computer and GitHub account. You can use the following example:
   
   git config –global user.name “[name]”  
   git config –global user.email “[email address]”
   
    
2. The "git init" command allows you to make a file on your computer recognized by the Git system. You can use the following example:
   
   git init [repository name]
    
3. Using the "git clone" command, you can copy a repository from your account to your computer and create a cluster. You can use the following example:
   
   git clone [url]
    
4. The "git add" command allows you to add a file to your current repository. You can use the following example:
   
   git add [file name]
    
5. With the "git commit" command, you can make changes permanent and notify your team members. You can use the following example:
   
   git commit -m "[Your commit message]"
    
6. The "git branch" command, which is one of the most important commands, lists all the branches created. To create a new branch, you should execute the following command:
   
   branch [branch name]
    
7. The "git merge" command allows you to easily merge a created branch with the main file. You can use the following example:
   
   git merge [branch name]

In this article, we have detailed and answered many questions that may come to your mind, such as 'What is Git, what is it used for, and what are Git commands?' If you want to reinforce all the theoretical knowledge and enhance your skills, you can also join the free Bootcamps offered by techcareer.net. Click now, apply to your desired one, and start coding with live trainings!