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Aaron Stewart

This course is a big picture introduction and overview of GitHub — an online, code hosting platform used for collaborating, building, shipping, and maintaining software.

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This course is a big picture introduction and overview of GitHub — an online, code hosting platform used for collaborating, building, shipping, and maintaining software.

Most developer tool courses quickly turn into an in-depth walkthrough on how that tool works, but it’s beneficial to stay zoomed out for a minute and get a clear picture on what that tool does, why others are using it, and why you might want to use it too. In this course, GitHub: The Big Picture, you'll identify the main features and products of GitHub, how they can enhance your software development lifecycle, and lower the barrier of entry for new developers. First, you'll learn what GitHub is, and why it's being used by over 73 million developers worldwide. Next, you'll view the GitHub flow, a lightweight, branch-based workflow where deployments are made regularly, and then see how to supercharge that workflow with GitHub features. Finally, you’ll explore the main products of GitHub that improve the way you collaborate, develop, automate, and secure your software projects. When you're finished with this course, you'll have the knowledge and understanding needed to evaluate GitHub and its products for upcoming projects, or better collaborate with team members and contribute to projects already using it.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
What Is GitHub? (And What Is It Used For?)
How Can GitHub Help Me and My Team?
Using GitHub to Collaborate, Develop, Secure, and Manage Your Software Projects
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How to Get Started and Next Steps

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Introduces GitHub, which is used by over 73 million developers worldwide
Examines the GitHub flow, which is a lightweight, branch-based workflow for regular deployments
Explores how to supercharge the GitHub workflow by utilizing its features
Provides insights into the core functions and offerings of GitHub
Offers guidance on using GitHub to collaborate, develop, automate, and secure software projects
Suitable for learners interested in evaluating GitHub for upcoming projects or improving collaboration

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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 GitHub: The Big Picture with these activities:
Brush up on Basic Command Line Commands
Refreshing these essential skills will allow you to navigate the GitHub command line with ease.
Show steps
  • Review the basics of using the terminal or command line.
  • Practice common commands such as 'cd', 'ls', and 'grep'.
  • Create a simple shell script to automate a basic task.
Review: Practical Git
Reviewing this book will strengthen your understanding of fundamental Git concepts, setting you up for success in GitHub.
View Pro Git on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read through the chapters on the basics of Git and version control.
  • Follow along with the tutorials and examples provided in the book.
  • Complete the practice exercises to reinforce your understanding.
Create a GitHub Repository and Push Local Changes
This practical exercise will solidify your understanding of the GitHub workflow.
Browse courses on Version Control
Show steps
  • Create a new GitHub repository.
  • Clone the repository to your local machine.
  • Make changes to the code or add new files.
  • Stage and commit your changes locally.
  • Push your local changes to the remote repository on GitHub.
Five other activities
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Follow a Guided Tutorial on GitHub Projects
This guided learning experience will enhance your ability to manage and collaborate on GitHub projects.
Show steps
  • Find and select a GitHub tutorial on project management.
  • Follow the tutorial step-by-step.
  • Create and manage a GitHub project using the concepts covered in the tutorial.
Organize a Study Group for GitHub
Collaborating with peers on GitHub projects can enhance understanding and retention.
Browse courses on GitHub
Show steps
  • Find a group of students who are also taking this course.
  • Schedule regular study sessions to go over course materials.
  • Work together on practice projects to apply what you've learned.
Attend a GitHub Meetup or Workshop
Engaging with the GitHub community through meetups or workshops will broaden your knowledge and connect you with fellow developers.
Show steps
  • Find a local GitHub meetup or workshop.
  • Register and attend the event.
  • Network with other developers and learn from their experiences.
Build a GitHub Workflow for a Personal Project
Developing a GitHub workflow for a personal project will deepen your understanding of the practical applications of GitHub.
Browse courses on Version Control
Show steps
  • Choose a personal project or idea.
  • Set up a new GitHub repository for your project.
  • Establish a branching strategy and workflow for your project.
  • Integrate continuous integration and deployment tools.
  • Test and iterate on your workflow.
Mentor New GitHub Users
Guiding others through the GitHub ecosystem will reinforce your understanding and boost your confidence.
Browse courses on GitHub
Show steps
  • Join a GitHub community or forum where you can connect with new users.
  • Offer help and support to those who are just getting started with GitHub.
  • Provide guidance on best practices, troubleshooting, and resource utilization.

Career center

Learners who complete GitHub: The Big Picture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
DevOps Engineer
DevOps Engineers are responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations teams, ensuring that software is developed, tested, and deployed efficiently. This course, GitHub: The Big Picture, is highly relevant to DevOps Engineers as it covers the core concepts of GitHub and its applications in software development. As a DevOps Engineer, you need to be proficient in version control, collaboration, and automated testing, all of which are key aspects of GitHub. Taking this course can help you build a solid foundation in these areas and enhance your skills as a DevOps Engineer.
Full-Stack Developer
Full Stack Developers are responsible for the entire software development lifecycle, from design and development to deployment and maintenance. This course, GitHub: The Big Picture, is valuable for Full Stack Developers as it provides a comprehensive understanding of GitHub, a key tool in the software development process. GitHub allows you to collaborate with team members, manage your codebase, and track changes, all of which are essential skills for Full Stack Developers. Taking this course can help you become a more well-rounded and effective developer.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems, applying engineering principles and practices to software development. This course, GitHub: The Big Picture, is a valuable resource for Software Engineers as it provides a comprehensive overview of GitHub and its role in software engineering. Understanding GitHub's features and capabilities can help you become a more efficient and effective Software Engineer. With the knowledge gained from this course, you can streamline your development process, collaborate effectively with your team, and manage your codebase with ease.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects, ensuring their successful completion within defined constraints. This course, GitHub: The Big Picture, is valuable for aspiring Project Managers as it provides insights into how GitHub can be used to manage software development projects. GitHub offers features such as issue tracking, project management tools, and collaboration tools, which are essential for effective project management. Taking this course can help you understand how GitHub can enhance your project management skills and increase your efficiency as a Project Manager.
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the overall success of a software product, from its inception to its launch and beyond. This course, GitHub: The Big Picture, is valuable for aspiring Product Managers as it provides a comprehensive overview of GitHub, a platform that is widely used for collaboration and project management. GitHub allows you to track progress, manage your team, and gather feedback from users, all of which are essential skills for Product Managers. Taking this course can help you understand how GitHub can enhance your product management skills and increase your effectiveness as a Product Manager.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create user manuals, technical reports, and other documentation for software products and systems. This course, GitHub: The Big Picture, may be useful for Technical Writers as it provides a comprehensive overview of GitHub, a platform that is widely used for software development and collaboration. Understanding GitHub's features and capabilities can help you create more accurate and effective documentation for software products. By taking this course, you can gain insights into the technical aspects of software development and enhance your skills as a Technical Writer.
Software Developer
Software Developers write, test, and maintain software applications across a range of industries and sectors. This course, GitHub: The Big Picture, may be useful for aspiring Software Developers as it will teach you how to use GitHub to enhance your software development lifecycle. GitHub is an online, code hosting platform that offers a broad range of features for collaboration, software management, version control, and source control. Taking this course can help you become a more effective Software Developer, as you will be able to efficiently collaborate with other developers, manage your codebase, and integrate GitHub into your development workflow.
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts are responsible for ensuring that software products meet quality standards and customer requirements. This course, GitHub: The Big Picture, may be useful for Quality Assurance Analysts as it covers various aspects of GitHub relevant to software quality assurance. GitHub allows you to track changes, collaborate with developers, and manage your codebase, which are all important aspects of software quality assurance. Taking this course can help you build a better understanding of GitHub and its role in software quality assurance.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts analyze existing business systems and design new ones, ensuring that they meet the organization's needs. This course, GitHub: The Big Picture, may be useful for aspiring Systems Analysts as it provides a comprehensive understanding of GitHub, a platform that is widely used in software development and collaboration. By learning about GitHub's features and capabilities, you can gain insights into the technical aspects of software development and enhance your skills as a Systems Analyst.
Software Architect
Software Architects design and develop the overall architecture of software systems, ensuring that they meet the organization's needs and objectives. This course, GitHub: The Big Picture, may be useful for aspiring Software Architects as it provides a comprehensive overview of GitHub, a platform that is widely used for collaboration and project management. By learning about GitHub's features and capabilities, you can gain insights into the technical aspects of software architecture and enhance your skills as a Software Architect.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers write and maintain the code that makes software applications and systems function. This course, GitHub: The Big Picture, may be useful for aspiring Computer Programmers as it provides a comprehensive overview of GitHub, a platform that is widely used for collaboration and project management. By learning about GitHub's features and capabilities, you can gain insights into the technical aspects of software programming and enhance your skills as a Computer Programmer.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect organizations' computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course, GitHub: The Big Picture, may be useful for aspiring Information Security Analysts as it provides a comprehensive overview of GitHub, a platform that is widely used for collaboration and project management. By learning about GitHub's features and capabilities, you can gain insights into the technical aspects of information security and enhance your skills as an Information Security Analyst.
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications for organizations across all sectors. This course, GitHub: The Big Picture, may be useful for aspiring Web Developers as it will teach you how to use GitHub to collaborate, host, and manage your projects. GitHub is a popular platform for web development, and understanding how to use it can make you a more effective Web Developer. With the skills learned in this course, you can showcase your projects, gain feedback from peers, and take your web development skills to the next level.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends and patterns, helping organizations make informed decisions. This course, GitHub: The Big Picture, may be useful for aspiring Data Analysts as it provides a comprehensive overview of GitHub, a platform that is widely used for data analysis and collaboration. By learning about GitHub's features and capabilities, you can gain insights into the technical aspects of data analysis and enhance your skills as a Data Analyst.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business processes and systems, identifying areas for improvement and recommending solutions. This course, GitHub: The Big Picture, may be useful for aspiring Business Analysts as it provides a comprehensive overview of GitHub, a platform that is widely used for collaboration and project management. By learning about GitHub's features and capabilities, you can gain insights into the technical aspects of business analysis and enhance your skills as a Business Analyst.

Reading list

We've selected 12 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 GitHub: The Big Picture.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Git, the version control system used by GitHub, and is an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced users.
Offers a broader perspective on DevOps principles and practices, which are becoming increasingly important in modern software development. It covers topics like collaboration, automation, and measurement, providing insights into how GitHub can be effectively utilized in a DevOps environment.
Focuses on writing clean and maintainable code, which is essential for effective collaboration on GitHub. It provides guidelines and best practices for code organization, documentation, and testing, helping developers produce high-quality code.
Explores the principles and practices of agile software development, which are closely aligned with GitHub's collaborative workflow. It provides insights into topics like user stories, sprints, and retrospectives, helping developers understand the context and benefits of using GitHub for agile projects.
Provides a comprehensive overview of design patterns, which are commonly used in software development. Understanding design patterns can help developers create more efficient and maintainable code, making it valuable for working on collaborative projects on GitHub.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to Python programming, which is commonly used with GitHub. It covers essential concepts, data structures, and algorithms, laying a solid foundation for working with GitHub's Python-based tools and projects.
This introductory book on Java programming can be useful for beginners who need a foundation in the language before diving into GitHub's Java-based tools and features.
Provides a concise and portable reference for Git commands and concepts, and can be useful for quick lookups and reminders.
Provides a theoretical foundation for distributed version control systems, including Git, and can be useful for developers interested in understanding the underlying principles of the platform.
Provides insights into the software engineering practices at Google, including the use of Git and other tools, and can offer a broader perspective on the role of GitHub in the industry.

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