Chapter 1 What is GitHub?



Chapter introduction image



Before we dive into installation and setup, let’s understand what GitHub is:

GitHub is a web-based platform that uses Git for version control. Think of it as:

  • A cloud-based code repository with version tracking and collaboration features
  • A social network for developers and researchers
  • A backup system that keeps track of every change you make
  • A collaboration tool that lets multiple people work on the same project

Git vs. GitHub:

  • Git = A version control system (software) invented by Finnish Linus Torvalds in 2005
  • GitHub = The online platform that hosts Git repositories

1.1 What You’ll Learn

In the following chapters, we’ll walk through everything you need to get started:

Chapter 2: Install and Configure Git

  • Install Git on your local machine (macOS, Windows, Linux)
  • Set up your Git identity
  • Verify everything is working

Chapter 3: Create Your GitHub Account

  • Sign up for GitHub

Chapter 4: Personal Access Token

  • Set up secure GitHub authentication with a Personal Access Token (PAT)

Chapter 5: Essential Git Commands

  • Learn the basic Git commands you’ll use daily
  • Understand the Git workflow

Chapter 6: Complete GitHub Workflow

  • Put it all together
  • Create your first repository
  • Learn the simple daily workflow

Next: Install Git on your computer and configure your identity.