Getting Started with Git and GitHub from Coursera

Get started with Git and GitHub in this self-paced, introductory course! You’ll become familiar with collaborative version control and popular Git platforms. Collaboration and social coding are crucial parts of contemporary Software Engineering practices and the DevOps culture.

You will begin this course with an overview of Git and Github fundamentals and explore key Git concepts such as branching and repositories, as well as the use of Git commands. You will also learn and practice various Git concepts such as forking, cloning and merging workflows using hands-on labs. And you’ll learn to use GitHub to work effectively as a team, and perform common Git operations, from both the Web UI and command line.

The course wraps up with a final project where you will start building your portfolio by creating and sharing a public/open-source GitHub project. By completing this course you will demonstrate your Git and Github skills as well as add a project to your resume!

All hands-on activities in this course can be performed using web-browser based tools and interfaces. Installation of any specialized software is NOT required on your own computer in order to complete the course.

What's inside

Syllabus

Git and GitHub Fundamentals

Application developers rarely work alone. Large web/cloud/mobile development and data science projects will include many people – front-end developers, back-end developers, database administrators, repository administrators, and others. Every change by every contributor must be tracked and controlled to enable collaboration, accountability, and version management. This type of distributed version control is extremely important when managing both small and large software projects. In this module, you will learn about some of the popular version control tools, create a GitHub account, and use the GitHub web interface to create a repository, add a file to it, and commit your changes. Branches are the heart of workflows in Git-based version control systems like GitHub. You will also become familiar with creating and using branches and merging your changes to the main branch.

Git Commands and Managing GitHub Projects

As you start working with GitHub repositories and automating workflows, using the web interface can be limiting and more time-consuming. This is where Git commands come in. You can use it from your own desktop, or a virtual desktop provided through the Cloud IDE - wherever you develop your code. In this module, you will become familiar with and utilize various Git commands to clone and fork repositories, as well as commit, push, and pull your changes using the command line.

Final Project and Assessment

Now that you are familiar working with GitHub repositories, Branches, and Git commands, in this module you will apply your knowledge and skills to create a GitHub Project, add few files to it such as an open-source license, and share it publicly.

[Optional] Working with GitHub from Your Windows Desktop

In this module, you will learn to install Git Bash on your Windows machine and configure an SSH key to work with your GitHub repo using Git commands on your system.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Great for software engineers who want to enhance their understanding of collaborative version control, including branching, repositories, and Git commands, as well as work effectively within a team environment on GitHub

Ideal for those looking to build their portfolio by creating and sharing a public, open-source GitHub project

Recommended for individuals new to Git and GitHub who want to get started with these essential tools for software development and collaboration

Suitable for those interested in applying their knowledge of Git and GitHub to real-world projects and workflows

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 Getting Started with Git and GitHub with these activities:

Refresher: Git Basics

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Git is a widely-used version control system, understanding its basic concepts will be foundational to this course. This refresher will help you if you are unfamiliar with the software.

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Review the Git documentation
Complete a short tutorial
Practice using Git commands on a local repository

Find a GitHub Mentor

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Finding a mentor can provide you with ongoing support and guidance as you learn about Git and GitHub.

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Identify potential mentors
Reach out to potential mentors
Build a mentoring relationship

Git Command Practice

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Using Git commands is essential to work with version control. Practice using these commands will help you navigate and interact with Git and GitHub more effectively.

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Use a cheat sheet or reference guide
Practice Git commands on a local repository
Complete online practice exercises

Four other activities

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Understanding GitHub Workflow

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GitHub is a popular platform for hosting Git repositories. Understanding its workflow will help you collaborate and manage projects effectively.

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Follow a GitHub tutorial
Create and manage a GitHub repository
Collaborate with others using GitHub

Github Project

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Creating a public GitHub project will allow you to practice your Git and GitHub skills and add to your portfolio.

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Choose a project idea
Set up a GitHub repository
Implement your project
Share your project with others

Mentor New GitHub Users

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Mentoring other students about Git and GitHub will reinforce your knowledge and understanding, while also helping others.

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Identify students who need help
Offer your assistance
Provide guidance and support

Contribute to Open Source Projects

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Contributing to open source projects will help you gain practical experience with Git and GitHub, while also giving back to the community.

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Find an open source project that you are interested in
Identify ways to contribute
Submit your contributions

Career center

Learners who complete Getting Started with Git and GitHub will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Mobile Developer

Mobile Developers design, develop, and maintain mobile applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and tools to create apps that are both functional and user-friendly. This course can help you build a foundation in Git and GitHub, which are essential tools for Mobile Developers. You will learn how to use these tools to manage code changes, collaborate with other developers, and track project progress.

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Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and tools to create software that meets the needs of users. This course can help you build a foundation in Git and GitHub, which are essential tools for Software Developers. You will learn how to use these tools to manage code changes, collaborate with other developers, and track project progress.

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DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers help bridge the gap between development and operations teams. They ensure that software is developed, tested, and deployed quickly and efficiently. This course can help you build a foundation in Git and GitHub, which are essential tools for DevOps Engineers. You will learn how to use these tools to manage code changes, collaborate with other developers, and track project progress.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites. They work with a variety of programming languages and tools to create websites that are both functional and visually appealing. This course can help you build a foundation in Git and GitHub, which are essential tools for Web Developers. You will learn how to use these tools to manage code changes, collaborate with other developers, and track project progress.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. They work with a variety of programming languages and tools to analyze data and develop models. This course can help you build a foundation in Git and GitHub, which are essential tools for Data Scientists. You will learn how to use these tools to manage code changes, collaborate with other developers, and track project progress.

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Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design, develop, and maintain machine learning models. They work with a variety of programming languages and tools to create models that can learn from data and make predictions. This course can help you build a foundation in Git and GitHub, which are essential tools for Machine Learning Engineers. You will learn how to use these tools to manage code changes, collaborate with other developers, and track project progress.

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Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects design, develop, and maintain cloud-based systems. They work with a variety of programming languages and tools to create systems that are scalable, reliable, and secure. This course can help you build a foundation in Git and GitHub, which are essential tools for Cloud Architects. You will learn how to use these tools to manage code changes, collaborate with other developers, and track project progress.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of databases. They work with a variety of database management systems to ensure that databases are running smoothly and securely. This course can help you build a foundation in Git and GitHub, which are essential tools for Database Administrators. You will learn how to use these tools to manage code changes, collaborate with other administrators, and track database changes.

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Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of computer systems. They work with a variety of operating systems and hardware to ensure that systems are running smoothly and securely. This course can help you build a foundation in Git and GitHub, which are essential tools for Systems Administrators. You will learn how to use these tools to manage code changes, collaborate with other administrators, and track system changes.

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Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing projects. They work with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality. This course can help you build a foundation in Git and GitHub, which are essential tools for Project Managers. You will learn how to use these tools to manage code changes, collaborate with other team members, and track project progress.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain documentation for software and other technical products. They work with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that documentation is clear, accurate, and easy to understand. This course can help you build a foundation in Git and GitHub, which are essential tools for Technical Writers. You will learn how to use these tools to manage code changes, collaborate with other team members, and track project progress.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with businesses to identify and solve problems. They use a variety of tools and techniques to gather and analyze data, and develop solutions that improve business outcomes. This course can help you build a foundation in Git and GitHub, which are essential tools for Business Analysts. You will learn how to use these tools to manage code changes, collaborate with other team members, and track project progress.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test software to ensure that it meets the required quality standards. They work with a variety of testing tools and techniques to identify and fix defects. This course can help you build a foundation in Git and GitHub, which are essential tools for Quality Assurance Analysts. You will learn how to use these tools to manage code changes, collaborate with other team members, and track project progress.

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IT Support Specialist

IT Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems. They work with a variety of hardware and software to troubleshoot and resolve problems. This course can help you build a foundation in Git and GitHub, which are essential tools for IT Support Specialists. You will learn how to use these tools to manage code changes, collaborate with other team members, and track project progress.

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Help Desk Technician

Help Desk Technicians provide technical support to users of computer systems. They work with a variety of hardware and software to troubleshoot and resolve problems. This course can help you build a foundation in Git and GitHub, which are essential tools for Help Desk Technicians. You will learn how to use these tools to manage code changes, collaborate with other team members, and track project progress.

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Getting Started with Git and GitHub

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