Git is a distributed version control system widely used to manage software development projects. This guide will introduce you to the fundamental commands of Git, helping you get started with version control.

Prerequisites

• A system with Git installed.
• Basic command-line knowledge.

Step 1: Install Git

On Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install git -y

Step 2: Configure Git

Set your username and email (required for commits):

git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "youremail@example.com"

Step 3: Create a New Repository

• Create a new directory for your project:

mkdir my_project
cd my_project

• Initialize Git:

git init

Step 4: Add Files to the Repository

• Create a file:

echo "# Project Title" > README.md

• Add the file to Git tracking:

git add README.md

Step 5: Make a Commit

• Record the changes in the repository:

git commit -m "Add README.md file"

Step 6: Clone an Existing Repository

To clone a remote repository:

git clone https://github.com/user/repository.git

Step 7: View the Repository Status

Check which files have been modified or are waiting to be committed:

git status

Step 8: View Commit History

Display the commit history:

git log

Step 9: Work with Branches

• Create a new branch:

git branch new_feature

• Switch to the new branch:

git checkout new_feature

Step 10: Merge Branches

• Return to the main branch:

git checkout main

• Merge the changes:

git merge new_feature

Step 11: Manage a Remote Repository

• Add a remote repository:

git remote add origin https://github.com/user/repository.git

• Push changes to the remote:

git push -u origin main

Step 12: Update the Local Repository

To get the latest changes from the remote repository:

git pull

Conclusion

Now you know the fundamental commands to use Git in version control for your projects. Continue exploring advanced features to improve your workflow.