HOW TO CREATE A GITHUB ACCOUNT AND INSTALL GIT ON YOUR PC

Image source:https://www.zbw-mediatalk.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/github-cover.jpg

Today Git is a widely used source version control system used by developers and programmers to manage files and codes ensuring collaboration and enabling them keep track of changes and updates in their code.

GitHub is a developers workspace that works with the Git source control to foster open source contributions, collaboration between software developers, engineers and other technical team members.

This guide will explain the steps needed to setup your GitHub account and install Git on your PC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

This guide will cover the following:

• How to create a GitHub account.
• How to create a GitHub repository.
• How to install Git on your PC.

PREREQUISITES:

This guide requires a fair knowledge of the following:

• Computer software..
• Git and GitHub.
• Chrome or any browser.

HOW TO CREATE A GITHUB ACCOUNT

A GitHub account is necessary to be able to carry out various operations on GitHub including collaborations and open source contributions. People can also reach out to you and view your projects and code on your GitHub profile linked to your GitHub account.

To create a GitHub account follow the following steps:

1. Access GitHub on https://github.com/ and click on Sign Up.
2. Enter your email and click on Sign up for GitHub.

Image showing the Email tab.

3. Create a strong password and click on the Continue button.

Image showing the password tab

4. Enter your preferred username and click on continue.

Image showing the username input tab

5. Verify your email account and your GitHub account will be successfully created.

HOW TO CREATE A GITHUB REPOSITORY

Like a folder, a repository is where you can store your project code, files and other necessary materials for your projects on GitHub. A GitHub repository helps you organize and store your project’s files so you can easily access them when you want. It also fosters collaboration between developers as they can easily contribute to projects and make corrections and updates.

Follow the following steps to create your GitHub repository:

1. Sign into your GitHub account.
2. On your dashboard, click on New

Image showing the “New” button

3. Enter a name for your repository.

4. Create a description for the repository.

5. Set your repository Public or Private(this determines who can see and commit to your repository).

Image showing a repository creation screen

6. Add a README file and git ignore template(Optional).

7. Click on Create Repository to successfully create your repository.

HOW TO INSTALL GIT ON YOUR PC

To install Git follow the following steps;

1. For Windows, visit https://git-scm.com/download/win and select your desired version of Git.

Image source: https://git-scm.com/download/win

2. Click on download.

3. After a successful download, launch the application and grant required permissions.

4. On Windows, right click on the file and run as administrator.

5. Open Git Bash and configure your name and email to Git.

Image showing a name and email configuration page on Git Bash. Image source: https://practicalseries.com/1002-vcs/03-04-install.html

(steps on how to configure your name and email on https://git-scm.com/book/en/v2/Getting-Started-First-Time-Git-Setup)

CONCLUSION

GitHub is widely used today by developers and programmers to organize, store, collaborate and contribute to projects promoting the open source culture. This guide covered the steps you need in creating a Github account and installing Git on your PC.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Changing the Git default configuration | PracticalSeries: Brackets-Git and GitHub

How to Use Git and GitHub - Introduction for Beginners

Hello World - GitHub Docs