What is Github, What is it Used For?

Git and Github usage is the second section of the guide I prepared and essential for developers I will provide information about what Github is and how it is used. You can reach my first section of the series, "What is Git, How to Use It" from here.

What is Github?

We learned in detail what Git is in our previous "What is Git, How to Use It?" article.

Github is one of the largest developer communities in the world and a web-based cloud storage service for software development projects using git version control system.

Additionally, Github is a social networking platform for software developers. Thanks to Github, software developers can browse and follow projects of people who work with software like themselves.

Why Use Github?

Why should you use Github? There are several reasons. The first reason is that it provides easy collaboration and version control. Github allows you to work on code with anyone from anywhere. Additionally, many companies and employers use Github. Therefore, if you are planning to find a job, you should definitely have a Github profile.

How to Use Github?

Github can seem complex for a beginner, but understanding the basic knowledge will help you get started. Don't worry, I will show you in the most understandable way and step by step how to use Github.

1- Register on Github.

To use Github, you will need a Github account. You can create your Github account for free from here, and start using Github. With your free account, you will have unlimited public and private repositories (repos).

2- Install Git on your computer.

We have provided detailed information about what Git is, how it is used, and how to install it on your computer (Windows 10) in our comprehensive git article. You can access it here.

3- Create a repository.

When you start using Github, the first thing you need to do is understand the concept of a repository and create your first repository.

How to Create a Repository?

After logging into Github with your account, you will see a screen like the one below. Click the " + " button located to the left of your profile picture in the top right corner and after selecting "New repository", you can create your new repository.

Terms You Need to Know for Github

Repository:

As mentioned above, a Repository or repo is a folder directory under your Github profile, essentially your projects. These repositories can be set to private so that only you can see them or can be made public.

Branch:

If you want a user to work on different versions of a project, you can create a Branch. When a user wants to add something new to the project, the changes they make might negatively affect the project's functionality. To prevent this negative impact, a branch is used.

Origin:

The main branch is referred to as Origin (source). The active branch can also be origin. The first created Branch is referred to as Master.

Fork:

Forking is the process of copying a project created by another developer to your own account. You can take a user's project to your account (Fork), work on it, and make the desired changes.

Clone:

Cloning is used to copy a project from Github to your computer, essentially downloading it.

Commit:

We learned what a Fork is. Suppose you have forked a project, meaning you copied it and will make changes. To ensure that the new code you add to the project is also reflected in the Github copy of the work, you first need to perform a "Commit". Doing this means packaging your work to be sent to the Github cloud system.

Ignore:

When performing a Commit, you might not want certain files to be packaged and sent. You can ignore these unwanted files, so they are not included in the package.

Push:

Pushing is the process of sending the work you have packaged with a Commit to the Github servers.

Issues:

Issues are used for providing information in response to a situation or problem.

Enhance Your Profile, Why?

There is a lot to discover on Github. So far, we have only covered the basic information. You should know that Github is much more than a version control platform. For programmers, it is also a type of social media platform...

GitHub not only enhances your programming knowledge but is also a great place to showcase your best work.

The Github profile you create is also a great place for employers to find you and reach out to you about potential jobs and projects.

Many developers try to gain Github followers by writing interesting and useful blog posts, creating content on platforms like podcasts or YouTube. The reason is that the more followers you have, the more opportunities will open up for you, and the greater your ability to be a thought leader in the programming field.

How Can Github Improve You?

Software developers always need to learn something new, refresh themselves, and improve because the programming world is constantly evolving, and new solutions to problems are being found every day. If you are in the software world, to stay strong, you need to continuously discover new ways to solve problems. You should try new things and collaborate with other programmers. There are many people on Github who are eager to learn with you. Take some time to explore Github and discover how you can unlock your full potential and become an expert programmer.