Git Your Damn Files Under Control

May 04, 2025

Pokemon is a fun time. I want to pivot to build free resources on tech topics to help readers out.

Git Beginner's Guide

Git is indispensable tool in modern software development. Its influence extends to other fields as well.

Why? Git is a version control system. This helps you track changes to files and collaborate with a team on projects.

Why is Git so beneficial?

History Tracking: Git meticulously records every change you make to your files. This allows you to revert to specific versions if needed. This is a lifesaver when you make a mistake or want to explore different approaches without fear of losing your work.
Branching and Merging: Git's branching and merging capabilities enable you to work on new features or bug fixes in isolation. When the work is complete, you can seamlessly merge it back into the main codebase.
Collaboration: Git helps team members collaborate by providing a shared repository where everyone can contribute their changes. It also offers tools for managing conflicts that may arise when multiple people edit the same file.
Backup and Recovery: Git repositories serve as backups of your project. THis protects you from data loss due to hardware failures or other issues.
Open Source Development: Git powers many open-source projects, allowing developers from around the world to contribute to a shared codebase.

This cheat-sheet breaks down essential Git commands you'll use frequently. Get it in light or dark mode PDF on Gumroad.1

git init: Initializes a new Git repository in your project directory.
git clone: Creates a local copy of a remote repository.
git add: Stages changes for commit.
git commit: Saves staged changes locally with a descriptive message.
git status: Displays the status of your working directory.
git diff: Shows the differences between your changes and the previous version.
git branch: Lists, creates, or deletes branches.
git checkout: Switches to a different branch.
git merge: Combines changes from one branch into another.
git pull: Fetches changes from a remote repository and merges them into your current branch.
git push: Sends your local commits to a remote repository.
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Git can be used via the command-line interface (CLI) or with a graphical user interface (GUI) like GitHub Desktop. 2

Here's a quick comparison:

Command-Line Interface (CLI)

Pros:
- Powerful and flexible.
- Essential for advanced Git operations.
- Works on any operating system.
Cons:
- Steep learning curve.
- Intimidating for beginners.

GitHub Desktop

Pros:
- User-friendly interface.
- Simplifies common Git tasks.
- Good for beginners.
Cons:
- Less powerful than the CLI.
- May not support all Git features.

When to use which?

Use the CLI when:
- You need fine-grained control over Git operations.
- You're working on complex projects.
- You need to execute advanced Git commands.
- You're working on a remote server.
Use GitHub Desktop when:
- You're new to Git.
- You're working on simple projects.
- You prefer a visual interface.
- You want to quickly perform common Git tasks.

Git is a powerful tool that can significantly improve your software development workflow.

Whether you choose to use the CLI or a GUI like GitHub Desktop, understanding the core Git concepts and commands is crucial.

Let me know if you have more questions or could use help with something in particular.