Git and GitHub Command Line Tutorial for a Python course

1. Introduction to Git and GitHub

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What is Git?
Git is a version control system that allows you to track changes in your files and collaborate with others.

What is GitHub?
GitHub is a cloud-based hosting service that lets you manage Git repositories, collaborate on code, and use features like issue tracking, pull requests, and more.

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2.1. Setting Up GitHub

Create an account on GitHub

Create tokens for repository access
https://docs.github.com/en/authentication/keeping-your-account-and-data-secure/managing-your-personal-access-tokens

Store github token in git
https://stackoverflow.com/questions/35942754/how-can-i-save-username-and-password-in-git

2.2. Setting Up git

Installing Git:

For Windows 🏠:
Download from git-scm.com and run the installer.

For macOS 🍏:
Use Homebrew with the command:

brew install git

For Linux 🐧:
Install via your package manager, e.g., for Debian/Ubuntu:

sudo apt-get install git

Configuring Git:
Set your username and email, which will be associated with your commits:

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

3. Creating a Repository on GitHub

1. Go to GitHub and log in.
2. Click on the "New" icon at the top-right corner to create a new repository.
3. Name your repository and make it either public or private.
4. Click on <> Code in the top-right corner to copy the https link for cloning

In the terminal

Navigate to the directory where you want your project to be in the terminal:

cd /path/to/your/project

Clone your repository to directory

git clone https://github.com/vilmacanfjorden/github_tutorial.git

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Make sure you got the repository and cd into it

ls -l
cd test_repo

4. Making Your First Commit

Add a file to your repository:

echo "print('Hello World')" > test.py
git status  

when using git status it should look something like this:

Add changes to the staging area:

git add test.py
git status

After git add

Commit the changes:

git commit -m "Initial commit"
git status

After git commit:

5. Push to GitHub

Push you updates to your repository on GitHub

git push

6. Pull from GitHub

Go to your repository on github.com Go to your README.md and edit, write something informative on how to use your code for example:

Commit the changes by clicking on Commit changes in the top-right corner

Go to your teminal again and make sure you are in the repository and pull the latest changes:

git pull
git status

Now you should have the latest README updated locally as well.

Conclusion and Best Practices

• Commit Often: Keep commits small and focused.

• Use Descriptive Commit Messages: Clearly explain what changes were made and why.

• Pull Before You Push: Always pull the latest changes before pushing to avoid conflicts.

• Official Git Documentation: (https://git-scm.com/doc)

• GitHub Learning Lab: (https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/start-your-journey/git-and-github-learning-resources)

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Additional information (if you want)

Click to expand!

Working with Branches

Create a New Branch:

git branch new-feature

Switch to the New Branch:

git checkout new-feature

Switch back to the main branch:

git checkout main

Merge the branch:

git merge new-feature

Handling Common Scenarios

Undo a Commit:

git revert <commit_hash>

Remove a File from the Staging Area:

git reset HEAD <file>