If you have ever worked on a college project, contributed to a startup idea with friends, or tried freelancing as a developer, you’ve probably faced this situation:
multiple versions of the same file — final.py, final_new.py, final_final2.py
Git and GitHub exist to solve exactly this problem. They help you track changes, collaborate smoothly, and store code safely online. This “Git and GitHub for beginners guide” explain in the simplest language, with real-life scenarios you can relate to, so this article helps you learn fast.
Here I go through every aspects of git and GitHub, If you Read this article, I’m not saying you’re perfect in git and GitHub but i say you’ll get an idea on Git and GitHub
Here is full breakdown of Git and GitHub for beginners
Why Learning Git Matters Today
Whether you want to get a job in TCS, Infosys, or a startup like Zomato, Git is a basic skill every company expects. Even if you are still studying, knowing Git gives you an edge during internships and campus placements. It shows that you understand real-world workflows, not just classroom theory.
Git helps you:
- Save every version of your project
- Work with multiple people without overwriting each other
- Undo mistakes anytime
- Keep your code safe even if your laptop gets damaged
Think of Git as a “time machine” of your code, it always lets you go back to a working state.
Real-Life Indian Scenarios Where Git Helps
1. College Mini Projects
When four friends work on the same computer project, confusion happens. One person edits HTML, another edits CSS, another fixes bugs — and suddenly nothing works. With Git, each person gets their own branch, and all changes are merged cleanly.
2. Startup Collaboration
Indian startups move fast. GitHub allows teams to push features daily without disturbing the live product.
3. Freelancing Clients Abroad
Many Indian freelancers use GitHub to share progress with clients. It builds trust and looks professional.
What Exactly Is Git?
Git is a version control system.
In simple words:
Git tracks the changes you make in files and lets you go back to any earlier version without losing anything.
Think of it like turning on “Track Changes” in Microsoft Word — but for your entire codebase.
How Git Works Behind the Scenes (Simple Explanation)
Git saves snapshots of your project over time. When you “commit,” Git stores only the changes, not the whole file, which makes it super fast. This is why developers around the world trust Git for even huge projects like Android and Linux.
What Is GitHub?
If Git is the engine, GitHub is the garage where you store your car.
GitHub is a cloud platform where you can upload your Git projects and collaborate with others. It also works like a developer portfolio, helping recruiters see your work.
Git vs. GitHub — What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Git | GitHub |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Tool | Website |
| Purpose | Track changes locally | Store and share code online |
| Internet Needed | No | Yes |
| Who Uses It | Everyone working with code | Teams, companies, open-source contributors |
Installing Git on Your System
Windows Users
- Visit git-scm.com
- Download the Windows installer
- Click Next → Next → Install
- Open Command Prompt and type:
git --version
Mac or Linux Users
Git usually comes preinstalled. Check with:
git --version
Essential Git Commands Every Beginner Must Know
Configure Git (Do this once)
git config --global user.name "Your Name" git config --global user.email "your@email.com"
Create a Git Repository
git init
Track Changes
git initgit add .
Save (Commit) Changes
git commit -m "Added homepage design"
Create a Branch
git branch new-feature
Switch Branch
git checkout new-feature
Merge Branches
git merge new-feature
These commands are enough to start your journey.
Understanding Branching (With Example)
Imagine you are working on a website for your cousin’s shop in Delhi. The website is live, but you want to add online payment. If you directly edit the main project, something may break.
So you create a branch.
This branch is like a “safe testing copy.”
Once everything works, you merge it with the main project.
Solving Merge Conflicts Without Panic
A merge conflict happens when two people edit the same line of code.
Git will highlight the conflict and ask you to choose which version to keep.
It’s like two people editing the same notebook — you decide whose change should stay.
Working with GitHub
1. Create an Account
Go to GitHub.com and sign up — it’s free.
2. Create a New Repository
Click New → Repository Name → Create.
3. Connect Local Git to GitHub
git remote add origin https://github.com/yourusername/repo.git git push -u origin main
4. Push New Changes
git push
5. Pull Latest Code
git pull
Real Use Cases of GitHub
College Students
Interviewers often ask:
“Do you have a GitHub profile?”
A good profile increases chances of getting shortlisted in companies like Wipro, Cognizant, or Tech Mahindra.
Startups
Teams in cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad heavily rely on GitHub for continuous updates.
Freelancers
Sharing GitHub repositories with clients in the USA, UK, and UAE builds credibility.
Best Practices You Should Follow
1. Write Clean Commit Messages
Bad:
updated file
Good:
Fixed login bug causing OTP failure
2. Push Code Regularly
This keeps your project safe in the cloud.
2. Use Branches for Features
Never directly edit the main branch.
Final Thoughts on git and github for beginners
Git and GitHub are not difficult once you understand the basics. They help you work smarter, collaborate better, and grow your career faster. Whether you’re a student in India preparing for internships or a professional improving your workflow, learning Git is one of the best decisions you can make today.
Start small — create a repo, push some code, and explore. Within a week, you’ll feel confident using it daily.
I’m a Full-Stack web developer (Freelancer). I’ve a great knowledge of anything related to HTML, CSS, JS, React, Node.js, MongoDB