Git is a distributed version control system that helps developers track changes in their code, collaborate with others, and manage software projects efficiently. Whether you are a beginner or just brushing up on your skills, this tutorial will walk you through everything you need to know to master Git.

Table of Contents

  1. What is Git?
  2. Installing Git
  3. Initial Configuration
  4. Creating and Cloning Repositories
  5. Basic Git Workflow
  6. Branching and Merging
  7. Working with Remote Repositories
  8. Undoing Changes
  9. Using .gitignore
  10. Advanced Git Commands
  11. Git GUI Tools
  12. Conclusion

What is Git?

Git is a version control system used for tracking changes in source code during software development. It allows multiple developers to work on a project simultaneously, without overwriting each other's work.

Installing Git

Windows / macOS / Linux:

  • Download and install Git from git-scm.com.
  • Verify installation: 
git --version

Initial Configuration

Set your identity:

git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "[email protected]"

View your configuration:

git config --list

Creating and Cloning Repositories

Create a new local repository: 

mkdir my-project
cd my-project
git init

Clone an existing repository: 

git clone https://github.com/username/repo-name.git

Basic Git Workflow

Check status: 

git status

Stage files: 

git add filename     # Add specific file
git add .            # Add all changes

Commit changes: 

git commit -m "Meaningful commit message"

View commit history: 

git log
git log --oneline

Branching and Merging

Create a new branch: 

git branch new-branch

Switch to a branch: 

git checkout new-branch

Create and switch in one step: 

git checkout -b new-branch

Merge a branch: 

git checkout main
git merge new-branch

Delete a branch: 

git branch -d new-branch

Working with Remote Repositories

Add remote: 

git remote add origin https://github.com/username/repo.git

Push changes: 

git push -u origin branch-name

Pull changes: 

git pull origin branch-name

Undoing Changes

Unstage a file: 

git reset filename

Undo last commit (keep changes): 

git reset --soft HEAD~1

Discard all local changes: 

git checkout -- .

Using .gitignore

Create a .gitignore file to exclude files/folders from version control:

node_modules/
.env
dist/
*.log

Advanced Git Commands

Stash changes: 

git stash

Apply stashed changes: 

git stash apply

Rebase: 

git rebase branch-name

Cherry-pick a commit: 

git cherry-pick commit-id

Git GUI Tools

  • GitHub Desktop
  • Sourcetree
  • GitKraken
  • VS Code Source Control Panel

Conclusion

Git is an essential tool for modern software development. With this step-by-step guide, you can start using Git confidently for your projects. Keep practicing, explore advanced commands, and soon you'll be managing branches, resolving merge conflicts, and collaborating like a pro.

Happy coding! 🚀