Working with Version Control from Coursera

Version control is a crucial tool for managing code. Explore the basics of version control and learn how to use it in software development projects.

In this course, you will explore Git, a popular version control tool which you will learn to use to create repositories, make commits, and ensure your code is organised and up-to-date.

You will also practice Markdown, a widely-used markup language, used to create professional and concise documentation for your software projects. You will explore Markdown syntax essentials, enabling you to create headings, lists, links, and images. By the end, you'll be equipped to produce polished documentation that complements your code repositories.

Gaining confidence in version control and Markdown, you'll adhere to best practices in organising, updating, and maintaining your code.

This course is one of many, offered by Click Start, a UK training programme designed to help young people develop digital skills. Click Start offers a limited number of scholarships giving free access to young people in the UK. Check the FAQs to see more detail and follow the link to check if you are eligible for free access today.

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to version control

This week, we'll be getting started with the basics of version control and learning how to use Git, one of the most popular version control systems used by developers worldwide. You'll learn how to create repositories, track changes to your code and collaborate with others using branches and public repositories. By the end of the week, you'll have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of version control and be ready to take your coding skills to the next level!

Week 2: Documenting with Markdown

This week, we'll be exploring collaboration and documentation with Markdown. You'll learn how to use Markdown to create polished and professional-looking documentation for your software projects. Markdown is designed to be easy to read and write, even for non-experts. You don't need any special software or knowledge to use it, and it's widely supported by many popular platforms and apps. So let's go!

Week 3. Using GitHub Projects and Issue Tracker

This week, you will learn about GitHub Projects and Issue Tracker, and discover how they can help you manage and track issues and tasks within your project. Together, GitHub Projects and Issue Tracker provide a powerful suite of tools for managing your software development projects. With them, you can stay organised, collaborate more effectively with your team and track your progress as you work towards your goals. Get ready to take your collaboration and documentation skills to the next level!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines version control, which helps learners collaborate and organize code

Teaches essential Markdown syntax, which is used to format text and create documentation

Enhances code organization and version control understanding, which are skills that are in high demand

Covers using GitHub Projects and Issue Tracker, which are tools for managing and tracking software project issues and tasks

Provides a hands-on approach to learning version control and Markdown through interactive exercises

Taught by Amy Brereton and Click Start, who have experience in software development and training

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 Working with Version Control with these activities:

Git Tutorial Review

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Review the basics of Git to refresh your knowledge before starting the course.

Browse courses on Git

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Visit the official Git website and explore the tutorials.
Watch a few YouTube videos on Git basics.
Install Git on your computer and practice creating a local repository.

Pro Git Book Review

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Gain a deeper understanding of Git by reading a comprehensive book on the subject.

View Melania on Amazon

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Read through the first few chapters of the book.
Focus on understanding the core concepts of Git.
Complete the practice exercises at the end of each chapter.

Git Command Line Practice

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Practice using Git commands in the terminal to solidify your understanding.

Browse courses on Git

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Open a terminal window and navigate to a project directory.
Run basic Git commands such as `git init`, `git add`, and `git commit`.
Try out branching and merging using `git branch`, `git checkout`, and `git merge`.

Three other activities

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Markdown Tutorial Video

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Create a video tutorial explaining the basics of Markdown to enhance your understanding.

Browse courses on Markdown

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Plan the content of your tutorial, including the key concepts you want to cover.
Record yourself explaining the concepts clearly and concisely.
Edit the video to make it engaging and easy to follow.

GitHub Projects and Issue Tracker Tutorial

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Follow online tutorials to learn about using GitHub Projects and Issue Tracker effectively.

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Search for tutorials on GitHub Projects and Issue Tracker.
Follow the steps in the tutorials to set up and use these tools.
Practice using GitHub Projects and Issue Tracker in your own projects.

Peer Code Review Session

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Engage in peer code review sessions to improve your understanding and identify areas for growth.

Browse courses on Version Control

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Find a study partner or group who is also taking the course.
Review each other's code and provide constructive feedback.
Discuss best practices and learn from each other's approaches.

Career center

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

Software Engineer

Software Engineers apply engineering principles to the design, development, and maintenance of software systems. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal apps to large enterprise systems. This course, Working with Version Control, can give you a competitive edge as a Software Engineer. It'll help you with version control and Markdown, which are both key skills for Software Engineers. As you work on complex projects that involve multiple developers, you'll need to be able to manage changes to your code and collaborate with others.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documentation to explain complex technical information to users. They may also work on projects to update or revise existing documentation. Working with Version Control is particularly helpful for Technical Writers as it covers Markdown. Markdown is a popular markup language used to create professional and concise documentation for software projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Software Development Manager

Software Development Managers plan, organize, and direct the activities of software development teams. They may also work on projects to develop new software products or upgrade existing products. Working with Version Control provides an introduction to Git, a widely-used version control system. As Software Development Managers oversee a team of programmers, an understanding of the tools and strategies for managing code is essential.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Development Manager

Database Administrator

Database Administrators ensure that an organization's databases are running smoothly and efficiently. They are responsible for installing, configuring, maintaining, and repairing database software, as well as for monitoring database performance and security. They may also be involved in designing and implementing database systems. A course like Working with Version Control would be very helpful as a DBA's work requires regular collaboration and precise documentation. The course will teach you the basics of version control and how to use Git to ensure your code is organized and up-to-date. It will also teach you Markdown, a markup language used to create professional and concise documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Software Developer

In the role of a Software Developer, you'll be writing, developing, and maintaining software applications. Some of the work you do may include designing, coding, testing, and debugging, Working with Version Control will help you complete these essential tasks. It'll introduce you to the fundamentals of version control, and you'll have a chance to practice working with a popular version control tool called Git. By the end of the course, you should be comfortable making commits, organizing your code in a repository, and managing different versions of your work. This will be useful as you'll need to make regular updates and edits to your code. Upon taking this course, you'll be better prepared for the challenge of working with multiple developers, one of whom is likely to be yourself from a few weeks ago!

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Database Developer

Database Developers design and build databases to store and manage data. They may also work on projects to upgrade or expand existing databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Developer

Computer and Information Systems Manager

Computer and Information Systems Managers plan, implement, and manage the IT systems of an organization. They oversee the installation, operation, and maintenance of computer systems, networks, and databases. They also develop and implement security measures to protect the organization's data and systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer and Information Systems Manager

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts study an organization's current business processes and computer systems, and then design and implement new systems to improve efficiency and productivity. They may also work on projects to upgrade or expand existing systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Computer Network Architect

Computer Network Architects design, build, and maintain computer networks. They work with a variety of technologies, including routers, switches, and firewalls, to ensure that networks are reliable, secure, and efficient. Computer Network Architects may also work on projects to upgrade or expand existing networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Network Architect

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write, develop, test, and maintain the software and applications that power our computers, phones, and other electronic devices. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal apps to large enterprise systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists apply scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data in various forms, both structured and unstructured. Data Scientists need to have a strong understanding of version control to manage and track changes to their code as they work with large datasets and collaborate with other team members. Working with Version Control provides an introduction to Git while teaching learners how to create repositories, make commits, and ensure their code is organized and up-to-date. completing this course may give you an edge in the job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. They also monitor and investigate security breaches and develop and implement security policies and procedures. Information Security Analysts help to safeguard their organization's critical data from unauthorized access and cyberattacks. Working with Version Control can help information security analysts with managing changes to security configurations and tracking the history of changes made to systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Information Technology Specialist

Information Technology (IT) specialists use their understanding of computer systems to help organizations achieve their business goals. They may work on a variety of projects, from installing and maintaining computer systems to designing and implementing software solutions.

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Software Quality Assurance (QA) Tester

Software Quality Assurance (QA) Testers test software applications to ensure that they are free of defects. They may also work with developers to identify and fix bugs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Quality Assurance (QA) Tester

Web Developer

Web Developers create and maintain websites and web applications. While front-end Web Developers are more focused on what a user can see and interact with, back-end Web Developers work on the infrastructure of the site, ensuring functionality and seamlessness. This course may be helpful to you, as it offers an introduction to Git, a popular version control tool. As Web Developers need to manage multiple versions of their code and collaborate with other developers, this course can help you prepare for these aspects of the role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Reading list

We've selected six 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 Working with Version Control.

Version Control with Git

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Provides a comprehensive overview of Git, focusing on the practical aspects of using it for version control in software development projects. It covers all the essential concepts and commands, and includes practical examples to illustrate the concepts. The book is well-written and easy to follow, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced Git users.

Version Control with Git: Powerful tools and...

Paperback

Version Control with Git

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Provides a clear and concise introduction to version control with Git. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn the basics of Git and start using it in their own projects.

Version Control with Git

Kindle Edition

Git Pocket Guide

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Concise and practical guide to Git, covering the essential concepts and commands in a clear and concise manner. It valuable resource for beginners and experienced Git users alike, and great choice for those who want to quickly get up to speed with Git.

Git Pocket Guide: A Working Introduction

Kindle Edition

Subversion 1.6 Official Guide

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Comprehensive guide to using Subversion, another popular version control system. It covers all aspects of the tool in a clear and concise manner, and valuable resource for both beginners and experienced users.

Version Control With Subversion for Subversion 1.6:...

Paperback

Mercurial: The Definitive Guide

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Comprehensive guide to using Mercurial, another popular version control system. It covers all aspects of the tool in a clear and concise manner, and valuable resource for both beginners and experienced users.

Mercurial: The Definitive Guide

Kindle Edition

Professional Team Foundation Server 2013

Save

Comprehensive guide to using Bazaar, another popular version control system. It covers all aspects of the tool in a clear and concise manner, and valuable resource for both beginners and experienced users.

Professional Team Foundation Server 2013 (Wrox...

Kindle Edition

Working with Version Control

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