Guided Project: GitHub and GitHub Branches for Beginners from edX

GitHub reports that more than 4 million organizations and 94 million developers use its platform to host more than 330 million repositories, track code changes, collaborate on solutions, contribute to open-source projects, and network with other professionals.

GitHub knowledge and skills are essential for Software Developers, Data Scientists, Data Engineers, DevOps Engineers, andother IT professionals.

In this hands-on guided project, you will use available web-based options in GitHub to set up a GitHub account, create and modify repositories and branches, merge branches, and manage pull requests.

No coding experience is necessary, and by the end of this project, you will have experience with the basics of GitHub and be ready to explore GitHub’s more advanced features.

Your lab environment already has many technologies preinstalled, saving you the time and hassle of setting everything up. Also, note that this platform works best with current versions of modern browsers.

What you'll learn

After completing this project, you will be able to:

Explain why developers use GitHub
Create a GitHub account
Add a repository to GitHub
Create and edit a file in a GitHub repository
Upload and commit a file to a GitHub repository
Create a branch in a GitHub repository
Commit changes to a child branch
Open a pull request
Merge a pull request into the main branch

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Appropriate for complete beginners and those unfamiliar with GitHub who want to learn the basics

Suitable for developers who work with code repositories and want to enhance their GitHub skills

Provides hands-on practice with GitHub's features, making it accessible and engaging for learners

Reviews summary

Github web interface basics

According to students, this Guided Project is an excellent starting point for anyone new to version control and GitHub. Learners consistently praise its step-by-step guidance and hands-on activities, which effectively demystify core concepts like repositories, branches, and pull requests. It's particularly lauded for its clarity and accessibility, making it ideal for absolute beginners with no prior coding experience. While largely positive, a few students noted that the course focuses exclusively on the web interface and might be too basic for those with existing GitHub knowledge seeking advanced topics or command-line skills.

Teaches GitHub solely through its web-based interface.

"It's okay for total beginners who ONLY want to use the web interface."

"I was hoping for some command-line Git integration or more complex scenarios."

"The lab setup was good and the instructions were clear. This course is perfect for learning the very fundamentals of GitHub's web interface."

Perfectly suited for those with no prior GitHub or coding experience.

"Highly recommend for absolute beginners!"

"As someone with zero Git experience, this guided project was perfect."

"This course is perfect for learning the very fundamentals of GitHub's web interface. It doesn't go deep, but it doesn't promise to either."

Provides excellent practical experience with GitHub's web interface.

"This project was a fantastic introduction to GitHub. The step-by-step guidance was incredibly helpful, and I loved the hands-on practice."

"The labs were well-structured and worked perfectly."

"The interactive labs are the best part. I felt confident navigating GitHub's web interface after this."

May not offer sufficient depth for those with existing GitHub knowledge.

"Felt like a waste of time after the first few steps. The instructions were clear, but for absolute novices."

"It's too basic if you already know a little, but the lab environment was stable."

"Too basic. I already knew what a repository was. I was expecting more advanced concepts or at least some command-line examples."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Guided Project: GitHub and GitHub Branches for Beginners with these activities:

Create a Git and GitHub resource library

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Having a centralized collection of Git and GitHub resources will serve as a valuable reference point.

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Gather relevant materials from course content, online articles, and tutorials.
Organize and store the resources in a central location, such as a folder or online repository.

Participate in a GitHub study group

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Engaging in discussions with peers will provide you with diverse perspectives and enhance your understanding of Git and GitHub.

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Join or form a study group with other learners.
Meet regularly to discuss course materials, share experiences, and troubleshoot problems.

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Career center

Learners who complete Guided Project: GitHub and GitHub Branches for Beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Developer

A Software Developer is responsible for the full software development lifecycle, which includes design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. GitHub is an essential tool for Software Developers to manage their code, track changes, and collaborate with others. This course provides hands-on experience with the basics of GitHub, which is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems and make predictions. GitHub is a valuable tool for Data Scientists to share and collaborate on data and code. This course provides hands-on experience with the basics of GitHub, which is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Engineer

Data Engineers design, build, and maintain data pipelines. GitHub is an essential tool for Data Engineers to manage code, track changes, and collaborate with others. This course provides hands-on experience with the basics of GitHub, which is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers work to bridge the gap between development and operations teams. GitHub is an essential tool for DevOps Engineers to manage code, track changes, and collaborate with others. This course provides hands-on experience with the basics of GitHub, which is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

IT Professional

IT Professionals use technology to solve business problems. GitHub is an essential tool for IT Professionals to manage code, track changes, and collaborate with others. This course provides hands-on experience with the basics of GitHub, which is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Professional

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test software to ensure that it meets requirements. GitHub is a valuable tool for Quality Assurance Analysts to track bugs, manage test cases, and collaborate with others. This course provides hands-on experience with the basics of GitHub, which may be helpful for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for software and other technical products. GitHub is a valuable tool for Technical Writers to share and collaborate on documentation. This course provides hands-on experience with the basics of GitHub, which may be helpful for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for planning and managing the development of software products. GitHub is a valuable tool for Product Managers to track progress, manage requirements, and collaborate with others. This course provides hands-on experience with the basics of GitHub, which may be helpful for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers plan and manage software development projects. GitHub is a valuable tool for Project Managers to track progress, manage requirements, and collaborate with others. This course provides hands-on experience with the basics of GitHub, which may be helpful for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. GitHub is a valuable tool for Database Administrators to track changes, manage backups, and collaborate with others. This course provides hands-on experience with the basics of GitHub, which may be helpful for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators manage and maintain computer systems. GitHub is a valuable tool for Systems Administrators to track changes, manage configurations, and collaborate with others. This course provides hands-on experience with the basics of GitHub, which may be helpful for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. GitHub is a valuable tool for Web Developers to manage code, track changes, and collaborate with others. This course provides hands-on experience with the basics of GitHub, which may be helpful for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Software Tester

Software Testers test software to ensure that it meets requirements. GitHub is a valuable tool for Software Testers to track bugs, manage test cases, and collaborate with others. This course provides hands-on experience with the basics of GitHub, which may be helpful for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Tester

Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers design and manage cloud computing systems. GitHub is a valuable tool for Cloud Engineers to track changes, manage configurations, and collaborate with others. This course provides hands-on experience with the basics of GitHub, which may be helpful for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design and manage computer networks. GitHub is a valuable tool for Network Engineers to track changes, manage configurations, and collaborate with others. This course provides hands-on experience with the basics of GitHub, which may be helpful for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Guided Project: GitHub and GitHub Branches for Beginners.

Pragmatic Unit Testing in Java 8 with JUnit

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Comprehensive guide to using Git in a software engineering environment. It covers the basics of using Git, as well as more advanced topics such as branching strategies and using Git for collaboration. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about using Git in a software engineering environment.

Pragmatic Unit Testing in Java 8 with JUnit

Kindle Edition

Version Control with Git

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Provides a comprehensive overview of Git, including its history, features, and best practices. This classic reference is particularly useful for learning the fundamentals of Git and version control systems, and serves as a valuable reference for experienced users as well.

Version Control with Git: Powerful tools and...

Paperback

Pro Git

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This visually-oriented book provides a clear and concise overview of Git workflows. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced users looking to improve their productivity and collaboration.

GitHub For Dummies

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Beginner-friendly guide to GitHub. It covers the basics of using GitHub, including how to create and manage repositories, collaborate with others, and contribute to open-source projects. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about GitHub and how to use it effectively.

Subversion 1.6 Official Guide

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While this book focuses on Subversion rather than Git, it provides a comprehensive overview of version control concepts and best practices. It valuable resource for those new to version control or looking to understand the broader landscape.

Version Control With Subversion for Subversion 1.6:...

Paperback

Object Lifetime Puzzlers - Book 3

Save

Beginner-friendly guide to Git. It covers the basics of version control, branching, merging, and resolving conflicts. It good starting point for anyone who wants to learn more about Git and how to use it effectively.

Object Lifetime Puzzlers - Book 3: 128 FUN Puzzles

Paperback

Git Pocket Guide

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A concise and portable reference for Git commands and concepts. It provides quick access to essential information, making it a handy companion for both beginners and experienced users who need a quick refresher.

Git Pocket Guide: A Working Introduction

Kindle Edition

Official Red Hat Linux User's Guide

Save

An official documentation from Red Hat that provides a comprehensive overview of Git. While it covers a wide range of topics, its technical nature and lack of hands-on examples may make it more suitable as a reference for experienced users.

Official Red Hat Linux User's Guide

Paperback

Guided Project

GitHub and GitHub Branches for Beginners

What you'll learn

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Reviews summary

Github web interface basics

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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