Simplifying Version Control: Getting Started with Git and GitHub Using GitHub Desktop and CLI

Simplifying Version Control: Getting Started with Git and GitHub Using GitHub Desktop and CLI

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Jasai Hansda
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5 min read

Table of contents

Setting up Git and GitHub for the first time can seem daunting, but with the right steps, you can get started quickly and efficiently. This guide will walk you through the basic initial setup for both GitHub Desktop and the Command Line Interface (CLI).

Why Use GitHub Desktop?

GitHub Desktop is a powerful tool that bridges the gap between the complexity of Git commands and the need for an intuitive, user-friendly interface. Here’s why it’s beneficial:

  • Ease of Use: No need to memorize Git commands.

  • Visual Representation: Provides a clear view of your project’s status.

  • Integration: Seamlessly integrates with GitHub for collaboration.

Setting Up GitHub Desktop

Download and Install GitHub Desktop

  • Visit the GitHub Desktop website and download the installer for your operating system.

  • Follow the installation instructions to set up GitHub Desktop on your computer.

Sign In to GitHub

  • Open GitHub Desktop and sign in with your GitHub account. If you don't have an account, you can create one here.

Configure Git

  • In GitHub Desktop, go to File > Options (or GitHub Desktop > Preferences on macOS).

  • Sign into GitHub using your credentials.

  • Authorize GitHub Desktop from your browser.

  • In the Options window, navigate to the "Git" tab. Here, you can configure various settings related to Git.

  • Now, GitHub Desktop is configured and ready to use with your personalized settings. You can start creating repositories, cloning existing ones, and managing your projects with ease.

Create a Repository

  • Click on the "File" menu in the top-left corner and select "New repository..." from the dropdown menu. This will open a new window where you can set up your repository.

  • Fill in Repository Details: Enter a name and description for your repository and choose the location on your computer where you want to save the repository. Check the box to initialize the repository with a README file.

  • And "Create repository".

Publish New Repository

  • In the top-right corner of the GitHub Desktop window, you will see a button labeled "Publish repository." Click on this button to start the publishing process.

  • A new window will appear where you can add details about your repository before publishing. You can choose to make the repository public or private.

  • And "Publish repository".

  • Once the publishing process is complete, you can view your repository on GitHub by clicking the "View on GitHub" button. This will open your web browser and take you to the repository page on GitHub.

Clone a Repository

  • Click on File > Clone Repository and select a repository from your GitHub account or enter the URL of a repository you want to clone.

  • Choose a local path where the repository will be stored on your computer.

Make Your First Commit

  • Open the cloned repository in GitHub Desktop.

  • Make changes to the files in the repository using your preferred text editor.

  • In GitHub Desktop, you will see the changes listed under the Changes tab. Add a commit message and click Commit to main (or the branch you are working on).

Push to GitHub

  • Once you are ready to push your changes, look for the "Push origin" button at the top of the GitHub Desktop window. Click this button to start the process.

  • After the push is complete, verify your changes on GitHub. Open your browser, go to your repository, and check the commit history for your recent commit.

Setting Up Git in the Command Line Interface (CLI)

Install Git

  • Download and install Git from the official website. Follow the installation instructions for your operating system.

Configure Git

  • Open your terminal or command prompt.

  • Set your username and email address with the following commands:

      git config --global user.name "Your Name"
  git config --global user.email "your.email@example.com"

  • Generate an SSH key to securely connect to GitHub:

      ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -C "your.email@example.com"

  • Follow the prompts to save the key. By default, it will be saved in the ~/.ssh directory.

  • Add the SSH key to your GitHub account by copying the key and pasting it into the SSH keys section of your GitHub account settings.

Clone a Repository

  • Use the git clone command to clone a repository to your local machine:

      git clone https://github.com/username/repository.git

  • Navigate to the cloned repository:

      cd repository

Make Your First Commit

  • Make changes to the files in the repository using your preferred text editor.

  • Stage the changes with:

      git add .

  • Commit the changes with a message:

      git commit -m "Your commit message"

  • Push the changes to GitHub:

      git push origin main

By following these detailed steps, you will have a solid foundation for using Git and GitHub, whether you prefer the graphical interface of GitHub Desktop or the flexibility of the CLI.

Conclusion

GitHub Desktop is an invaluable tool for making version control accessible and straightforward. By providing a visual interface and intuitive workflows, it allows both beginners and experienced developers to manage their projects effectively. Whether you are cloning repositories, committing changes, or resolving conflicts, GitHub Desktop simplifies the process, allowing you to focus on what matters most: writing great code.

Additional Resources

GitHubGitGithub DesktopDevOps Journey