Your First Steps with Git

Git is like a time machine for your code! It helps you keep track of all the changes you make. Here are some key commands to get you going:

Starting Your Git Journey:

• git init: Use this command to turn your current folder into a Git project.
• git clone: If someone else has already started a Git project online, you can use this to bring a copy of it to your computer.

Saving Your Amazing Work:

• git add: This is like staging your changes – telling Git "Hey, remember these updates!"
• git commit -m "Describe your changes here!": This saves a snapshot of your staged changes. Make sure to write a clear message so you know what you did!
• The .gitignore File: This handy file lets you tell Git to ignore certain files that you don't need to track, like temporary files or personal settings.

Sharing and Collaborating (Remote Repositories):

• git push: Ready to share your work? This command sends your saved snapshots to an online repository.
• git pull: Need to get the latest updates from the online repository? This command brings those changes to your computer.

Exploring Your Project's History:

• git log: Want to see all the snapshots that have been taken? This command shows you the history of your project.
• git status: Curious about what's changed in your project right now? This command gives you a quick overview.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Git doesn't track empty folders, so don't worry if they don't show up!
• It's best to keep your Git projects separate – one inside another can cause confusion.

Understanding the .gitignore File:

You'll usually create this file in the main folder of your project. Inside, you simply list the names of files or patterns of files that you want Git to ignore. Once a file is in this list, Git will leave it alone, no matter where it is in your project.