Introduction
Whether you are learning how to code, building websites, or joining your first software development team, Git has become mandatory rather than optional.
This Git tutorial for beginners is designed to walk you through learning Git from the scratch. By reading this article, you will be advancing from zero to hero by performing your first Git commit without any fear.
So let’s begin.
What Is Git and Why Should You Learn It?
In short, Git is a version control system that monitors changes to files in your project. It makes it possible for developers to:
- Save versions of their code
- Collaborate without overwriting each other’s work
- Rollback to previous versions when something gets busted
If you ever worked on a Word document and saved such versions as “project_final_FINAL_2.docx,” you understand the issue Git solves — organized version history.
So if you are starting from scratch in Git, you are at the right path to becoming a true professional developer.
Prerequisites: Tools You’ll Need
Before we jump into commands, let’s set up:
- Install Git
- Download from https://git-scm.com/
- Use default settings during installation
- Text Editor (Optional)
- VS Code, Sublime Text, or any IDE
- VS Code, Sublime Text, or any IDE
- Terminal or Command Prompt
- macOS/Linux: Use Terminal
- Windows: Git Bash or PowerShell
Step 1: Configure Git on Your System
First, identify yourself to Git. For every change, your name and email are recorded.
git config –global user.name “Your Name”
git config –global user.email “you@example.com”
To verify:
git config –list
You’re now ready to learn how to use Git.
Step 2: Create Your First Git Repository
Let’s simulate a project folder:
mkdir my-first-git-project
cd my-first-git-project
Now turn this folder into a Git repository:
git init
You’ve just initialized an empty Git repo!
Step 3: Create a File and Track It
Create a new file:
echo “Hello, Git!” > hello.txt
Now check the status:
git status
You’ll see that Git detects hello.txt as an untracked file. To start tracking:
git add hello.txt
Now the file is staged and ready to be committed.
Step 4: Make Your First Commit
Here comes the exciting part—your first Git commit!
git commit -m “My first commit in Git!”
This message should be brief, describing the changes you’ve made. Well, that’s it. You now have an official snapshot of your work.
If you get this far, kudos! You have completed your Git first commit tutorial.
Optional: See the Log of Your Commits
Want to check what you’ve done?
git log
This will show:
- Commit ID
- Author name/email
- Date/time
- Commit message
You’re officially learning Git like a professional. From here, you move from zero to hero in version control.
Bonus: Connecting to GitHub (Optional)
If you want to save your repo online, or collaborate with others, you will push your code to GitHub.
- Open a free GitHub account
- Create a new repository (no README)
In the terminal:
git remote add origin https://github.com/yourusername/yourrepo.git
git branch -M main
git push -u origin main
Now your work on the local system is present on GitHub! You have just learnt using Git with remote repository.
Quick Git Workflow Summary
This is an extremely beginner-friendly workflow in the Git world:
# 1. See what’s changed
git status
# 2. Stage the file(s)
git add .
# 3. Save changes with a message
git commit -m “Describe your changes”
# 4. Push to GitHub (if connected)
git push
Repeat this cycle as you build your project.
Bonus Tips for Beginners
- You can use .gitignore to avoid tracking confidential files
- Commit often with meaningful messages
- Never push secrets or passwords to GitHub
Final Thoughts
To wit, learning Git might look daunting, but the real deal lies in its flow-you learn it and it becomes a second nature to you. You have come from a beginner up to your first commit using Git, pushing it even to GitHub.
This Git tutorial for beginners is simply the entry level for you. As you continue into the development journey, Git will be your life jacket, your timeline, and your most trusted collaborator.
💡 Next Steps:
- Practice by building a small project
- Commit your work step-by-step
- Explore branches, merges, and pull requests
Remember, learning Git is not just about mastering commands — it’s about becoming a professional developer who can track progress, collaborate, and never fear “breaking things.”
