What Git and GitHub Are

The problem Git solves

You've probably had a folder like this:

project.py
project_final.py
project_final_v2.py
project_final_v2_REALLY_final.py

Git fixes this. It's a version control tool: it keeps one copy of your files and records every change you save as a commit, with a message describing it. You can see the full history, compare versions and go back if something breaks.

Git vs GitHub

They're related but different:

A project tracked by Git is called a repository (or repo). When you put it on GitHub, anyone you allow (or everyone, if it's public) can see it.

Why students should care

• Employers look at GitHub. For data, software and web roles, a GitHub profile with real projects is a portfolio.
• Backup. Your work is safe even if your laptop isn't.
• Teamwork. Group projects without emailing files back and forth.

Key words

• Repository (repo): a project folder tracked by Git.
• Commit: a saved snapshot, with a message like "Add login page".
• Push: send your commits to GitHub.
• Pull: bring the latest changes from GitHub to your computer.
• README: the front page of a repo that explains what it is.

Set up your account

1. Go to github.com and sign up with an email you'll keep after graduation.
2. Choose a professional username, such as adaeze-okafor or tundeanalytics, not cooldude2005. It appears in your links.
3. Add a profile photo and a one-line bio ("Economics student · learning Python and SQL").
4. Turn on two-factor authentication in Settings → Password and authentication.

Try it

1. Create your GitHub account with a professional username.
2. Add a photo and a one-line bio.
3. Turn on two-factor authentication.
4. Write down, in your own words, the difference between Git and GitHub.