Version Control with Git from Coursera

The Version Control with Git course provides you with a solid, hands-on foundation for understanding the Git version control system. Git is open source software originally created by Linus Torvalds. Git manages team files for large and small projects. This allows the team to continuously improve its product. It is used by most major technology companies, and is assumed knowledge for many modern programming and IT jobs. It is a core component of DevOps, continuous delivery pipelines and cloud-native computing. You could also use Git to manage the many continuously improving revisions of that book that you are writing.

In this course, you will not learn everything there is to know about Git, but you will build a strong conceptual understanding of the technology, and afterward will be able to confidently dig deeper on any topic that interests you. This course assumes no previous knowledge of Git, but if you do have experience with it, you may find this course to be both useful and challenging. This is especially true if you currently "know just enough Git to be dangerous".

There are two paths in this course. Both rely heavily on hands-on labs. One path assumes that you have experience using a command line interface, and the other path uses the Sourcetree graphical client. If you are not experienced with a command line, we highly suggest that you go through the Sourcetree path. Eventually, you might want to go through both paths, so that you can decide which tool to use for specific tasks. Besides, repetition is good for learning :)

You can watch the videos and take the quizzes from your phone if you want, but the hands-on labs require you to have a Windows or Mac computer. If you use the command line path through the course, you can also use Linux.

This course uses Bitbucket (bitbucket.org) as the hosted provider for remote Git repositories. Bitbucket is free for teams of up to 5 people, including private repositories. However, most of the knowledge that you gain in this course applies to Git itself, and you can apply this knowledge to other hosted Git providers (such as GitHub).

This course tries to be as concise as possible. It will probably take you about 5-10 hours to go through one of the two paths, but your mileage may vary.

What's inside

Syllabus

Our First Repository

This module gets you started using Git. It provides the foundation for the rest of the course. You will install Git and/or Sourcetree, create a local repository, create a commit, create a remote repository and push commits to a remote repository. You have the option of doing the hands-on labs using the Sourcetree graphical Git client and/or using a command line.

Branching and Merging I

This module discusses to of the key concepts involved with Git: branching and merging. It starts with foundational knowledge on Git's commit graph model, Git IDs and references. Branching and merging are then covered, including the difference between fast-forward merges and using merge commits.

Branching and Merging II

This module continues the discussion of branching and merging. It starts with resolving a merge conflict. Then synchronizing with remote repositories is covered, including the fetch, pull and push commands. The other major topic of this module is rewriting history. The commit history is an important part of a project. A clean commit history makes it easier to understand the project, and then contribute to it by adding new features or fixing problems. If you have not shared your commits, you can rewrite them in a way that makes a cleaner project history. Rewriting history includes amending commits and rebasing.

Git Workflows

This module covers topics on how teams work with Git. Git is flexible enough to work with many types of projects and teams. The better you understand Git's capabilities, the more effectively to can use it in your projects. Topics include pull requests, centralized workflows, feature branch workflows, forking workflows and Gitflow workflows. This module concludes with a project in which you use Git with a Gitflow workflow.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the Git version control system, which is used extensively in software development

Taught by Steve Byrnes, who has extensive experience in teaching and developing Git-related courses

Suitable for beginners and those with some experience in Git

Provides hands-on labs using the command line or the Sourcetree graphical client

Covers essential concepts such as branching, merging, and Git workflows

May require prior experience with using a command line interface

Reviews summary

Git mastery: concepts, commands, and hands-on practice

learners say this course gives a solid foundation for software version control with project examples, labs, and a final project to apply your knowledge. It is great for beginners and experienced developers who want to learn or deepen their understanding of Git. The course covers fundamental concepts and advanced topics with instructors who explain concepts clearly and provide visual aids to enhance understanding. There is a choice between learning with command line or through Bitbucket/Github.

Allows you to learn using either command line or GUI.

"Very well written course that manages to teach version control that is a must in the modern software development process and collaborative work."

"Great Course!! Let me learn a lot."

"This course is great for beginners who want to learn about Version Control and Git."

Instructors present the material clearly and concisely.

"This course teaches step by step and with enough hands-on parts that one can actually work with git afterwards."

"Great straightforward and concise explanation of the most important aspects of Git, with labs that make sure you actually know how to do these things in practice."

"This Course is great for beginners who want to learn about Version Control and Git."

Covers a wide range of topics from basic concepts to advanced workflows.

"This course helped me understand the basic to advanced concepts of GIT version control system"

"Unlike other courses on Git, this course from Atlassian gets a little deeper into Git."

"I was finally able to wrap my mind around the ins and outs of Git version control through this introductory course."

Offers hands-on labs and graded quizzes for practical application.

"Very helpful to manage my local repo, i really excited about this course, and these topics is very simple."

"Great Introductory training to GIT and version control."

"Very good course, gives a deeper understanding of Git."

Provides comprehensive and well-structured learning materials.

"Very good Learning Material."

"This is a very good course."

"I think, it is one of the most well-designed course in coursera."

"This course has a logical structure and all parts are clearly explained."

Peer grading for the final project has been inconsistent or delayed.

Some learners find the course too basic while others appreciate the thorough explanations.

"I think before entering any Software Engineering job one should go through this course."

"This is a very good course to start with basic as well as some advance concepts of GIT."

"Presentation was bland. Course was boring. However, I've come out of it feeling as though I really know my Git!"

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 Version Control with Git with these activities:

Review Pro Git

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Review a classic reference book on Git to further understanding of foundational and advanced concepts

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Purchase and read the book
Take notes and highlight important concepts
Complete exercises and examples from the book

Review Git basics

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Refresh skills and knowledge in order to better understand the current course

Browse courses on Version Control

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Identify Git concepts already familiar
Review concepts through documentation, tutorials, or videos
Practice skills in a sandbox or local environment

Resolve Git Merge Conflicts

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Strengthen understanding of merge conflicts through practice

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Create Git branches
Edit files on different branches
Merge branches
Resolve any merge conflicts

Five other activities

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Peer review Git workflow

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Gain and provide feedback on personal Git workflows in a collaborative setting

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Create Git workflow
Find a peer to review workflow with
Provide and gather feedback on each other's workflows

Personalize Git Workflow

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Develop own Git workflow to solidify skills and understanding of the course

Browse courses on Git Workflow

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Identify and choose preferred tools and resources
Create a plan for personalizing Git workflow
Implement Git workflow
Test and refine workflow
Document Git workflow

Share Git Knowledge

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Solidify knowledge by sharing understanding of Git concepts with others

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Prepare Git content
Choose platform for sharing
Share Git knowledge with others
Gather and incorporate feedback

Explore Advanced Git Techniques

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Further refine skills by working through tutorials and developing knowledge in advanced Git techniques

Browse courses on Version Control

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Identify advanced Git techniques
Locate tutorials on these techniques
Work through tutorials
Test skills through practice

Contribute to open source Git project

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Gain practical experience in a real world Git and collaborative development setting

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Choose project to contribute to
Review project and identify contribution opportunities
Prepare and submit contribution

Career center

Learners who complete Version Control with Git will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

DevOps Engineer

A DevOps Engineer is responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations teams, and ensuring that software is delivered quickly and efficiently. The Version Control with Git course may be useful for DevOps Engineers because it provides a solid foundation for understanding the Git version control system, which is essential for managing team files for large and small projects. Git is a core component of DevOps, continuous delivery pipelines and cloud-native computing.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Cloud Engineer

A Cloud Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining cloud-based applications and infrastructure. The Version Control with Git course may be useful for Cloud Engineers because it provides a solid foundation for understanding the Git version control system, which is essential for managing team files for large and small projects. Git is a core component of cloud-native computing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications. The Version Control with Git course may be useful for Software Engineers because it provides a solid foundation for understanding the Git version control system, which is essential for managing team files for large and small projects. Git is used by most major technology companies, and is assumed knowledge for many modern programming and IT jobs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Web Developer

A Web Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites and web applications. The Version Control with Git course may be useful for Web Developers because it provides a solid foundation for understanding the Git version control system, which is essential for managing team files for large and small projects. Git is used by most major technology companies, and is assumed knowledge for many modern programming and IT jobs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Engineer

A Data Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines and infrastructure. The Version Control with Git course may be useful for Data Engineers because it provides a solid foundation for understanding the Git version control system, which is essential for managing team files for large and small projects. Git is used by most major technology companies, and is assumed knowledge for many modern programming and IT jobs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Product Manager

A Product Manager is responsible for defining, developing, and launching new products. The Version Control with Git course may be useful for Product Managers because it provides a solid foundation for understanding the Git version control system, which is essential for managing team files for large and small projects. Git is used by most major technology companies, and is assumed knowledge for many modern programming and IT jobs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

IT Manager

An IT Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the activities of an organization's IT department. The Version Control with Git course may be useful for IT Managers because it provides a solid foundation for understanding the Git version control system, which is essential for managing team files for large and small projects. Git is used by most major technology companies, and is assumed knowledge for many modern programming and IT jobs.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer is responsible for creating and maintaining technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. The Version Control with Git course may be useful for Technical Writers because it provides a solid foundation for understanding the Git version control system, which is essential for managing team files for large and small projects. Git is used by most major technology companies, and is assumed knowledge for many modern programming and IT jobs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Technical Support Specialist

A Technical Support Specialist is responsible for providing technical support to customers, such as troubleshooting problems, answering questions, and providing documentation. The Version Control with Git course may be useful for Technical Support Specialists because it provides a solid foundation for understanding the Git version control system, which is essential for managing team files for large and small projects. Git is used by most major technology companies, and is assumed knowledge for many modern programming and IT jobs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Specialist

Project Manager

A Project Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing projects. The Version Control with Git course may be useful for Project Managers because it provides a solid foundation for understanding the Git version control system, which is essential for managing team files for large and small projects. Git is used by most major technology companies, and is assumed knowledge for many modern programming and IT jobs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Software Test Engineer

A Software Test Engineer is responsible for testing software to ensure that it meets requirements and is free of defects. The Version Control with Git course may be useful for Software Test Engineers because it provides a solid foundation for understanding the Git version control system, which is essential for managing team files for large and small projects. Git is used by most major technology companies, and is assumed knowledge for many modern programming and IT jobs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Test Engineer

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to solve business problems. The Version Control with Git course may be useful for Data Scientists because it provides a solid foundation for understanding the Git version control system, which is essential for managing team files for large and small projects. Git is used by most major technology companies, and is assumed knowledge for many modern programming and IT jobs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

A Machine Learning Engineer is responsible for developing and deploying machine learning models to solve business problems. The Version Control with Git course may be useful for Machine Learning Engineers because it provides a solid foundation for understanding the Git version control system, which is essential for managing team files for large and small projects. Git is used by most major technology companies, and is assumed knowledge for many modern programming and IT jobs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst is responsible for analyzing business needs and developing solutions to improve business processes. The Version Control with Git course may be useful for Business Analysts because it provides a solid foundation for understanding the Git version control system, which is essential for managing team files for large and small projects. Git is used by most major technology companies, and is assumed knowledge for many modern programming and IT jobs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst is responsible for protecting an organization's information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. The Version Control with Git course may be useful for Information Security Analysts because it provides a solid foundation for understanding the Git version control system, which is essential for managing team files for large and small projects. Git is used by most major technology companies, and is assumed knowledge for many modern programming and IT jobs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

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