1.1: Introduction - Git and GitHub for Poets

Introduction

This tutorial provides a foundational understanding of Git and GitHub, specifically tailored for beginners. By exploring the concepts of commits and repositories, as well as the GitHub user interface, you will gain the essential skills needed to manage your projects effectively. Whether you're a poet or a developer, these tools can help you track your work and collaborate with others.

Step 1: Understanding Repositories

• A repository, or repo, is a storage space where your project files live.
• Repositories can be local (on your computer) or remote (hosted on platforms like GitHub).
• To create a new repository on GitHub:
  1. Sign in to your GitHub account.
  2. Click the "+" icon in the upper right corner and select "New repository."
  3. Fill in the repository name, description, and choose visibility (public or private).
  4. Click "Create repository."

Step 2: Learning About Commits

• A commit is a snapshot of your project at a specific point in time.
• Commits allow you to track changes and revert to previous versions if needed.
• To make a commit in your local repository:
  1. Use the command line to navigate to your project folder.
  2. Stage your changes with the command:

     git add .
     

  3. Commit your changes with a descriptive message:

     git commit -m "Your commit message here"
     

Step 3: Navigating the GitHub User Interface

• Familiarize yourself with the key components of the GitHub interface:
  • Repositories: Your project repositories.
  • Issues: A section for tracking bugs and feature requests.
  • Pull Requests: A way to propose changes to the project.
• Explore the various tabs within a repository:
  • Code: View and manage your project files.
  • Pull Requests: See proposals for changes from collaborators.
  • Actions: Automate workflows for your projects.

Step 4: Using GitHub for Collaboration

• GitHub facilitates collaboration with others on projects. Here’s how to start:
  1. Invite collaborators by going to the repository settings and adding users.
  2. Use issues to discuss tasks and track progress.
  3. Encourage collaborators to fork the repository and submit pull requests for their changes.

Conclusion

By mastering the basics of Git and GitHub, you can effectively manage your projects and collaborate with others. Start by creating your own repository, making commits, and exploring the GitHub interface. As you become more comfortable, consider diving deeper into more advanced Git features and workflows. Happy coding!