How to Use Git and GitHub for Version Control - Full Tutorial

Version control is paramount for software developers. It allows multiple individuals to work on a single project at the same time without inconveniences. With version control, you can restore previous versions of your file and compare earlier versions. The most popular tool used for version control today is Git. This article will provide an extensive tutorial on how to use Git and GitHub for version control.

What is Git?

Git refers to a distributed version control system. It’s used to track changes in any set of files. Created by Linus Torvalds in 2005, Git was designed for speed, data integrity, and support for distributed workflows. Git’s design is a profound contrast from central version control systems and provides superior performance.

Introduction to GitHub

GitHub is an online platform built around the Git system. It provides a place where developers can store their projects and collaborate with others. It's the largest host of source code in the world, with over 100 million repositories.

Installation of Git

To get started with Git, you need to install it on your computer. You can download it from the official Git website. After downloading, open the file and follow the instructions in the setup wizard.

Setting up a GitHub Account

To use GitHub, you need to create an account. Go to the GitHub website and go through the sign-up process. After creating your account, you can create new repositories and contribute to others.

Creating a Local Repository

A repository is like a folder for your project. It contains all the project's files and each file's revision history. To create a repository in Git, use the `git init` command in the command line.

Cloning a Repository from GitHub

To work on a project stored in a GitHub repository, you need to clone the repository to your local machine using the `git clone` command.

Committing Changes

Making changes to your project involves two key steps. First, you must edit your files in the working directory. Then, you 'stage' the files, adding snapshots of them to your staging area. Use the `git add` command to stage and `git commit` to commit changes.

Pushing to GitHub

After committing your changes, you push them to GitHub to share with others. Use the `git push` command.

Pulling from GitHub

If others have made changes to the repository on GitHub, you can update your project on your local machine using the `git pull` command.

Understanding Branches

A branch in Git is a lightweight, movable pointer to one of your commits. The default branch name in Git is `master`. As you start making commits, you’re given a master branch that points to the last commit you made. You can create more branches using the `git branch` command.

In summary, Git and GitHub have revolutionized how developers work on projects. Regardless of the project’s size, these two tools simplify version control and foster collaboration. Navigating these two platforms may seem daunting at first, but with practice, you’ll grasp all the nuances and become proficient.