Git and GitHub for Beginners

Name: Git and GitHub for Beginners
Rating: 4.2 (37 reviews)

Learn Git and GitHub fundamentals through practical examples, clear workflows, and beginner-focused lessons.

Created byScott Tremaine

Last updated 6/2025

English

What you'll learn

Master command-line Git operations including commit, push, pull, rebase, and branch management
Efficiently manage and collaborate on projects using GitHub repositories, branches, and pull requests
Identify, analyze, and resolve merge conflicts in a Git-controlled environment
Apply best practices for version control, ensuring clear communication and efficient collaboration in team projects

Course content

5 sections • 12 lectures • 2h 33m total length

Introduction to Version Control Systems9:42
Venture into the world of software development with the first module of our course, "Introduction to Version Control Systems." This module is designed for newcomers to the tech industry or those who collaborate with IT and development teams. It lays the groundwork for understanding how version control systems (VCS) like Git are essential in managing the collaborative aspects of coding.
What You Will Learn:
Introduction to Version Control: Uncover the basics of what a VCS is and why it's critical in software development.
History and Evolution of VCS: Trace the progression from Local VCS to Centralized VCS, and then to Distributed VCS like Git, learning about the advancements at each stage.
Benefits of Using Git: Learn about the key advantages of using Git over other VCS, focusing on its distributed nature, speed, efficiency, and support for non-linear development which makes it ideal for projects of any size.
By the end of this video, you'll have a clear understanding of the fundamental principles of version control and why Git has become the go-to solution for developers worldwide. Join us to unravel the importance of version control in the collaborative world of software development and set a strong foundation for your programming journey.
Setting Up and Configuring Git17:47
Venture into the foundational steps of software development with this lesson, "Setting Up and Configuring Git."
What You Will Learn:
Installing Git: Familiarize yourself with the initial setup process of Git on a Windows system. We will guide you through downloading and installing Git, ensuring you are prepared to start your version control journey.
Configuring Git: Learn how to configure Git with your personal information, setting up your workspace for contribution. This includes setting user identity and selecting preferences that will streamline your development workflow.
Command Line Interface Basics: Dive into the basics of using the Command Line Interface (CLI) with Git. Master simple navigation commands and understand the CLI's role in executing Git operations, a crucial skill for any developer.
By the end of this lesson, you will have Git installed and configured on your machine, understand the basic CLI commands necessary for Git operations, and be ready to embark on more complex Git tasks. Join us to lay the groundwork for your development projects and enhance your technical expertise!
Basic Git Concepts15:40
Venture into the foundational world of version control with this lesson, "Basic Git Concepts." This lesson is designed for individuals new to technology or those beginning to interact with version control systems and software development workflows. It serves as an introductory guide to the essentials of Git.
What You Will Learn:
Introduction to Git: Familiarize yourself with Git as a version control system and why it's a critical tool for developers.
Understanding Repositories: Learn about local repositories where you can work on your projects and how to initialize a new repository with git init.
The Three States of Git: Dive into the modified, staged, and committed states in Git, understanding how your files move through these states as you work.
Making Your First Commit: Practice making your first commit in Git, capturing a snapshot of your project's progress.
The Git Workflow: Explore how to track, stage, and commit changes in Git, establishing a smooth development process.
By the end of this lesson, you'll have a fundamental grasp of Git's core functions and be prepared to manage your coding projects with confidence. Join us to unlock the basics of Git and take the first step towards efficient version control and collaboration in your development endeavors!

Branching and Merging Git19:47
Venture into the core functionalities of version control with this lesson, "Branching and Merging with Git."
What You Will Learn:
Fundamentals of Git Branching: Grasp the basics of branches in Git, which allow for simultaneous, diversified development without affecting the stability of the main codebase. Understand how branches enable you to work on new features, bug fixes, and experiments in an isolated manner.
Merging Strategies: Learn how to integrate the work done in different branches back into the main branch through merging. We'll cover simple fast-forward merges that move the branch pointer forward, and more complex three-way merges that involve creating a new merge commit to reconcile divergent branch histories.
Resolving Merge Conflicts: Dive into the common challenges that arise when merging branches with conflicting changes. We'll provide strategies for identifying, navigating, and resolving these conflicts to maintain a clean and functional codebase.
By the end of this lesson, you'll gain the confidence to effectively use branching and merging in Git, laying the groundwork for more advanced version control techniques. Join us to master these essential skills and enhance your ability to contribute to collaborative coding projects.
Advanced Git Operations18:27
Venture deeper into version control with this lesson, "Advanced Git Operations." Designed for budding developers ready to enhance their coding toolkit, this lesson will take you through complex Git functionalities that streamline collaboration and code management.
What You Will Learn:
Rebase in Depth: Unravel the intricacies of the git rebase command. Learn how rebasing can simplify your project history and the differences between rebasing and merging, providing a smoother development experience.
Squashing Commits: Master the art of combining multiple commits into one with git rebase -i. This can clean up your commit history and make it easier to understand the evolution of your project.
Stash Like a Pro: Discover how to use git stash to save your uncommitted work and maintain a clean workspace when switching between branches. Learn the best practices for stashing and how to apply or pop your stashed changes effectively.
By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a firm grasp on these advanced Git operations, enabling you to maintain a cleaner codebase, streamline your workflow, and collaborate more efficiently with your team. Dive into this lesson to become proficient in managing your development projects with Git, setting the stage for professional growth and collaboration.

Getting Started with GitHub6:56
Venture into the foundational steps of using GitHub with this lesson, "Getting Started with GitHub." Designed for individuals new to tech or those starting their journey in software development, this lesson will navigate you through the basics of GitHub, a vital tool for modern developers.
What You Will Learn:
Introduction to GitHub: Uncover what GitHub is and why it's an indispensable platform in the software development landscape.
Creating a GitHub Account: Learn how to set up your GitHub account, starting with navigating to the website, choosing a username, and securing your account with verification.
Navigating the GitHub Interface: Get familiar with the GitHub dashboard, understand the side menu, and learn about key features that you'll use daily.
Creating Your First Repository: Dive into the process of creating your first repository, from naming it to initializing with important files like README, .gitignore, and choosing the right license.
By the end of this lesson, you'll have the confidence to create and manage your GitHub account, understand the interface, and be ready to start your first project. Join us to take the first step into the collaborative world of coding with GitHub, and set a strong foundation for your future development projects!
Working with Repositories on GitHub16:21
Venture into the world of version control with our lesson, "Working with Repositories on GitHub." Designed for budding developers and those new to the tech industry, this lesson demystifies the concepts of managing and collaborating on code with GitHub. Whether you're a solo learner or part of a development team, this lesson equips you with the foundational knowledge to effectively use repositories in your projects.
What You Will Learn:
Introduction to Repositories: Discover the importance of using repositories in GitHub for version control, collaboration, and maintaining your codebase. Learn the basics of repository management and the role it plays in software development.
Cloning and Forking Repositories: Understand the processes of cloning and forking repositories, and how these actions fit into your workflow. We'll cover the practical steps to clone a repository for local development and fork a repository for making contributions.
Navigating Repository Settings: Dive into the array of settings within a GitHub repository. From adjusting visibility settings to managing collaborators and branch protection rules, gain insight into effectively configuring a repository.
Practical GitHub Exercises: Engage with hands-on exercises to practice cloning, forking, and adjusting repository settings. These activities will reinforce your understanding of GitHub and prepare you for real-world development tasks.
By the end of this lesson, you'll have a solid grasp of how to work with GitHub repositories, enabling you to contribute to projects and manage your own repositories confidently. Join us to master the essentials of GitHub and take the first step towards becoming an adept member of the global developer community!
Remote Repositories and Git Push/Pull14:27
Venture into the world of version control with this lesson, "Remote Repositories and Git Push/Pull." Designed for budding developers or anyone beginning their journey in software collaboration, this lesson provides a practical, hands-on approach to understanding the importance and functionality of remote repositories in Git.
What You Will Learn:
Basics of Remote Repositories: Discover the essentials of remote repositories in Git, understanding how they serve as the backbone for collaborative development across teams and individuals.
Mastering the git push Command: Learn how to upload your local repository changes to a remote repository, enabling you to contribute to a larger project and share your work with peers.
Navigating the git pull Command: Gain insights into synchronizing your work by pulling updates from a remote repository, ensuring that you are always working on the latest version of the project.
By the end of this lesson, you'll have a solid understanding of how to interact with remote repositories using Git commands. You'll be equipped to handle code in a collaborative environment, push your changes to share with others, and pull updates to keep your local work current. Join us to master these fundamental Git operations, paving the way for successful collaboration in any software development project!
Collaboration on GitHub17:01
Venture into the world of version control with this lesson, "Collaboration on GitHub." which is designed for those just starting out in tech or for those who work alongside IT and development teams. It will guide you through the collaborative features of GitHub, showing you how to work together on code in a distributed environment.
What You Will Learn:
Branching Basics: Understand the function of branches in GitHub and how they offer a safe space for developing new features or fixing bugs without disturbing the main codebase.
Pull Requests & Code Reviews: Learn how to submit changes for review using Pull Requests, and how to provide constructive feedback through the code review process.
Merging: Get a primer on how to merge changes from one branch to another
By the end of this lesson, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to effectively use GitHub's collaborative tools, contributing to projects and improving code quality alongside your team. Join us to unlock the collaborative potential of GitHub and elevate your skills in participating in and managing open-source projects.
Resolving Merge Conflicts on GitHub7:03
Designed for budding developers and professionals keen to refine their version control skills, this course demystifies the complexities of merge conflicts within collaborative coding environments.
What You Will Learn:
Fundamentals of Merge Conflicts: Gain an in-depth understanding of merge conflicts, learning what they are and the mechanics of their occurrence in version control systems like Git.
Navigating GitHub's Interface for Conflict Identification: Master the skills to identify and interpret merge conflicts using GitHub’s graphical interface and conflict markers.
Hands-On Conflict Resolution Techniques: Through step-by-step guidance, acquire the practical know-how to resolve conflicts, ensuring a seamless merge process in your projects.
By the conclusion of this lesson, you’ll possess the knowledge to not only resolve merge conflicts with proficiency but also employ proactive measures to minimize their occurrence. Join us to master the collaborative essence of Git and GitHub, thereby enhancing your coding teamwork and project contribution capabilities.

Git and GitHub Best Practices9:42
This course is perfect for individuals new to the tech industry or those who wish to collaborate more effectively with IT and development teams. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the best practices essential for using Git and GitHub.
What You Will Learn:
Writing Readable Code and Commit Messages: Learn the art of writing code that others can easily understand and maintain, and how to craft commit messages that effectively communicate the changes made.
Branch Management Strategies: Discover the best practices for creating, naming, and organizing branches in Git, ensuring a clean and manageable codebase.
Collaboration Techniques on GitHub: Engage with the GitHub community by learning how to collaborate on projects, conduct code reviews, and communicate effectively within teams.
By completing this course, you'll have the knowledge to use Git and GitHub in a way that enhances collaboration and efficiency in any development project. Join us to refine your skills and adopt the industry's best practices to become an effective member of any development team.

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Requirements

Basic Computer Skills: Familiarity with operating a computer, managing files and folders, and basic text editing.
Access to a Computer: A computer with internet access to install Git, access GitHub, and follow along with course activities
Operating System Knowledge: Basic understanding of your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) as Git installation and commands can vary slightly across systems.
Interest in Software Development: While prior programming knowledge is not required, an interest in software development or a related field will make the course more relevant and engaging
Willingness to Learn: An open mind and readiness to engage with new concepts and practices in version control

Description

Version control is an essential skill for developers at any level, and Git is the most widely used system in the industry. This course introduces you to Git and GitHub in a way that's clear, practical, and beginner-friendly.

You will start by learning what version control is, why it matters, and how to set up Git on your machine. From there, you'll practice using core Git commands like init, commit, status, push, pull, branch, and rebase, all through simple examples and guided exercises designed to reinforce what you learn.

Once you’re comfortable with Git basics, the course shifts to GitHub, where you'll learn how to manage remote repositories, create and review pull requests, handle merge conflicts, and collaborate with others on shared projects. These topics are broken down into short, focused lessons to help you absorb each step without getting overwhelmed or lost in the details.

This course is designed to build real confidence with the tools developers use every day. Whether you're learning Git for the first time or want to better understand how teams work with shared code, you’ll leave with a solid foundation and clear next steps for applying what you've learned in real projects and collaborative environments.

Who this course is for:

Beginner Software Developers: Individuals starting their journey in software development who want to learn essential version control skills.
Aspiring Programmers: Anyone interested in programming and looking to understand the best practices for code management and collaboration
Students in Computer Science: Computer science students seeking practical skills in Git and GitHub to complement their academic studies
Professionals Transitioning to Tech Roles: Professionals shifting to technical roles who require an understanding of version control as part of their skillset
Hobbyist Coders: Hobbyists or self-taught coders looking to formalize their knowledge in version control for personal projects or open-source contributions
Team Leaders and Project Managers: Non-technical team leaders or project managers in tech companies who wish to understand the tools their teams use for better project oversight

Git and GitHub for Beginners

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction to Version Control with Git3 lectures • 43min

Mastering Git Commands and Operations2 lectures • 38min

Introduction to GitHub and Repository Management5 lectures • 1hr 2min

Resolving Merge Conflicts and Best Practices1 lecture • 10min

Stay in the Loop1 lecture • 1min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: