Git Basics

Git Basics

Version Control Made Simple

What is Git?

• Distributed version control system
• Created by Linus Torvalds in 2005
• Track changes in your code
• Collaborate with others
• Maintain project history

Key Concepts

Repository

Commit

Branch

Remote

Basic Commands

# Initialize a new repository
git init

# Clone an existing repository
git clone <url>

# Check status
git status

Making Changes

# Stage changes
git add <file>
git add .

# Commit changes
git commit -m "Your message"

# Push to remote
git push origin main

Branching

# Create new branch
git branch feature-name

# Switch branches
git checkout feature-name

# Create and switch
git checkout -b feature-name

Why Branch?

• Work on features independently
• Keep main branch stable
• Easy collaboration
• Experiment safely

Merging

# Merge branch into current
git merge feature-name

# Rebase (alternative)
git rebase main

Working with Remotes

# Add remote
git remote add origin <url>

# Fetch changes
git fetch

# Pull changes
git pull

# Push changes
git push

Common Workflows

Feature Branch Workflow

1. Create feature branch
2. Make changes
3. Commit frequently
4. Push to remote
5. Create pull request
6. Merge after review

Best Practices

• Commit often with clear messages
• Pull frequently to stay updated
• Branch for new features
• Review before merging
• Document your changes

Useful Commands

# View history
git log --oneline --graph

# Undo changes
git reset --hard HEAD~1

# Stash changes
git stash
git stash pop

Practice Makes Perfect