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Version Control

When developing software, it is very important for you to be tracking the changes you make to your code. This is because there may be a time when you would have to revert to a previous working version of your code.

The process of keeping track of your code in such a way that you can always go back or forward to a different version of your code is known as version control.

There are a lot of technologies and platforms out there that can be used for version control but you are expected to familiarize yourself with Git and GitHub.

Getting started with version control​

To get started with version control, here are some of the things that you need to explore.

  • What is Git
  • What is GitHub
  • How to install Git
  • What is a repository
  • Difference between a remote and a local repository
  • Basic git commands (init, add, commit, push, status, pull, branch, log)
  • Introduction to the concept of branching and merging

Assignment:​

Just so you get yourself acquinted with Git and GitHub before starting the program, go ahead and create a GitHub account and try your hands on creating a repository and testing out the various git commands that you learn.

Resources​

1. Git & GitHub explained for dummies​

Here is a beginner friendly introduction to Version control with Git and GitHub written by one of our learners:

Git & GitHub explained for dummies

2. Git & Github Explained - ALX Peer Discussion​

3. Getting started with Git and Github​

About Git and how to use it

How to create a GitHub account​

  • Go to the GitHub homepage: The first thing you need to do is go to the GitHub homepage by typing www.github.com into your web browser.

  • Click on the "Sign up" button: Once you're on the GitHub homepage, you'll see a "Sign up" button in the top-right corner of the screen. Click on it.

  • Enter your details: You'll be taken to a page where you'll need to enter your personal details such as your username, email address, and a strong password. Make sure your username is something that you'll remember, as this is how people will identify you on GitHub.

  • Verify your email address: After you've entered your details, GitHub will send you an email to verify your email address. Click on the link in the email to verify your account.

  • Choose your plan: Once you've verified your email address, you'll be taken to a page where you can choose your plan. GitHub offers both free and paid plans. For beginners, the free plan should be sufficient.

  • Complete your profile: After you've chosen your plan, you'll be taken to your GitHub dashboard. Here, you can complete your profile by adding a profile picture, a bio, and any other information that you want to share.

Congratulations! You've successfully created a GitHub account. You can now start exploring GitHub and all its features.