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Writer's pictureLuke Padiachy
Aug 33 min read

A Beginners Guide: Save Your Code With GitHub


 
 
INTRODUCTION

Plan on writing amazing code and creating super projects? Ever wondered what happens if you actually lose that code or project by any chance? Machines might not last forever, but there's a way you can make sure your code or project becomes immortal. Mark your code safe from any digital disasters with a little something called Version Control.


WHAT IS VERSION CONTROL?

Picture this: you've just finished creating a coding solution for world peace and BAM!!! Computer crashes & blue-screen is your bestie with no way out except getting a new machine. Your solution for world peace is now gone, did a 360 and just vanished. Don't let yourself become the person in this story. Version Control is like your own insurance policy for code. Saves your work, step for step, so even when disaster strikes, your code and project is safe as the money in your TRUSTED bank.


Version Control is basically a system that keeps track of every change you make to your code. Think of it as a time machine for your projects. You can go back in time, see what you changed, and even undo mistakes. It’s like having a superpower for developers.


WHY BOTHER?

Well, aside from saving your butt when disaster strikes, it has a bunch of other perks:

  • Undo Button: Made a mess of your code? No worries, just rewind.

  • Time Machine: Curious about how your code looked a week ago? Check the history.

  • Team Player: Working with others? Version Control makes it easy to share code and avoid conflicts.


LEARN FROM EXPERTS

There are a bunch of different version control systems out there, but the most popular one for beginners is Git. It can do a lot, and there’s a huge community to help you out. Not a fan of reading long guides? Check out visual and interactive tutorials on this video. They offer step-by-step guides and videos to help you understand how to save and manage your code effectively.

 
 
GETTING STARTED

  • Install Git: Download and install Git from the official website (https://git-scm.com/).

  • Basic Commands: Learn essential commands like: git init

git add

git commit

git push

  • GitHub: Create an account on a platform like GitHub to host your code repositories.


Learn to use key GitHub features, including issues, notifications, branches, commits, and pull requests through this learning path from Microsoft Learn.


ART OF VERSION CONTROL

Plan to master the art of version control? Here's some key pointers:

Save Often

Think of this as regularly hitting the "save" button on your code. The more frequently you commit your changes, the better protected your work will be. It's like taking snapshots of your project's progress.


Experiment Fearlessly

Version control is your safety net. Don't be afraid to try new things or experiment with different approaches. If things go wrong, you can always revert to a previous version.


Collaborate Effectively

Version control is a team player. It makes it easy to share code with others and work together on projects. You can see who made what changes and merge your work with minimum effort. There's a learning path for this too.


Ignore the Noise

Not everything needs to be tracked by version control. A .gitignore file tells Git which files or folders to ignore. This helps keep your repository clean and focused on the essential code. Think of it as decluttering your digital workspace.


LEARNING HUB OF OPPORTUNITIES

GitHub Education

If you're a student, GitHub Education is your golden ticket to a world of opportunities. From free student developer packs and mentorship programs, GitHub is committed to helping you learn and grow.

GitHub Student Developer Pack

Score free access to essential developer tools and services to supercharge your projects:


Campus Experts Program

Become a leader on your campus, sharing your knowledge and building a strong developer community.


GitHub Classroom

Teachers and professors can create virtual classrooms, assign projects, and provide feedback, all within GitHub.


CONCLUSION

I hope you found this guide to be a clear and friendly introduction to saving your code. Properly managing your code is a fundamental skill that will serve you well throughout your coding journey. Remember, GitHub is a platform for growth & every great developer started where you are now. Take advantage of the resources available, build a strong portfolio, and connect with other developers. Your future self will thank you!




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