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Charles

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Git for Data Scientists & Data Engineers — my very first beginner guide (Git Bash + GitHub)

#datascience #ai #git #tutorial

Data Science & Data Engineers

Hi, I’m Charles Ndungu. I recently started learning data science and analytics. I’ve never used Git before, but I wanted to share my very first experience with Git and GitHub, step by step, so other beginners like me can follow along.

Repo: https://github.com/Charles-Ndungu/GIT-basics-practice..git

Git tracks changes to files. GitHub stores your tracked projects online. Learn the basic flow: init → add → commit → push → pull. This is enough to start working confidently and share work with others.---

Why Git matters (short)

  • Reproducibility — you can go back to any previous version.
  • Collaboration — multiple people can work without overwriting each other.
  • Safety — experiment on branches, revert mistakes.
  • Professional — it’s expected in data teams.

What you’ll need

Very simple mental model

  • Local folder = your project
  • git = the thing that watches your folder and remembers changes
  • commit = a saved snapshot
  • remote (origin) = GitHub copy of your project
  • push = upload your commits to GitHub
  • pull = download changes from GitHub

Step 1 — Install Git Bash (Windows) — quick

  1. Download from https://git-scm.com/downloads → pick Windows.
  2. Run the installer → accept defaults. When asked, choose OpenSSH.
  3. Open Git Bash from Start → Git → Git Bash.

Step 2 — Minimal setup (one-time)

Open Git Bash and run:

git --version
git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "you@example.com"
git config --list
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Step 3 — First Local Project — The Exact Commands I Ran 

# create project folder and enter it
mkdir ~/git-basics-practice
cd ~/git-basics-practice

# create a tiny file
echo "hello from git bash" > hello.txt

# start Git in this folder
git init

# check status
git status

# track the file
git add hello.txt

# save a snapshot
git commit -m "Add hello.txt"

# check history
git log --oneline

---
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Step 4 — Create a GitHub repo & push (real moment)

  1. On GitHub: + → New repository
    • Name it git-basics-practice
    • Do NOT initialize README or .gitignore
  2. Copy the HTTPS URL, for example: ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "you@example.com" 

### Authentication Notes:

- GitHub no longer accepts account passwords on the command line. Use a Personal Access Token (PAT) instead of your password if prompted.
- Alternatively, set up SSH keys (recommended long-term):add the public key to GitHub Settings → SSH and GPG keys.

---

Back in Git Bash, run:
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bash
git remote add origin https://github.com/your-username/git-basics-practice.git
git branch -M main
git push -u origin main


### Troubleshooting — real things I saw (and how to fix)

- **fatal: User canceled device code authentication** → if you close the browser prompt, Git may fall back to asking for username/PAT. Re-run git push and use PAT or set up SSH.

- **Permission denied (publickey)** → SSH key missing on GitHub. Add your **id_ed25519.pub** to GitHub > Settings > SSH keys.

- **404** when opening repo in browser → check the exact repo name and whether it’s private. Pro tip: I had an extra **.** at the end of my remote URL once (**GIT-basics-practice..git**), which created a repo name with a trailing dot and gave me a confusing 404. Always check **git remote -v**.

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Step 5 — Pulling changes (download)

If someone edits the repo or you edit on GitHub, bring changes down with:

git pull origin main

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Short cheat-sheet (commands to remember) 


git init                 # start tracking a folder
git status               # see file status
git add <file>           # stage file
git commit -m "msg"      # save snapshot
git log --oneline        # view history
git remote -v            # show remotes
git push -u origin main  # upload commits
git pull origin main     # download commits
git checkout -b name     # create + switch branch
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A tiny real lesson (my raw beginner moment)

I pushed successfully, but when I opened my repo in the browser I got 404. I later discovered my remote URL had an extra dot (GIT-basics-practice..git) so the repo name ended up with a dot. Git still accepted the push, but the usual browser link (without the dot) returned 404. If you hit 404, check git remote -v and make sure the URL is exactly what you expect.

Data Analysis Step by Step;

1st Read: Git & Github Beginner's guide

If you’re also learning version control with Git, you can read my Git & GitHub beginner’s guide here:
https://dev.to/charles_ndungu/git-for-data-scientists-data-engineers-my-very-first-beginner-guide-git-bash-github-3952

2nd Read: Mastering Excel

After mastering Git basics, you can learn how to analyze data using Microsoft Excel here:
https://dev.to/charles_ndungu/ms-excel-for-data-analytics-a-friendly-practical-guide-for-beginners-hjn

3rd Read: Data Modelling & Schemas

This article dives into data modelling in Power BI, covering star and snowflake schemas, fact and dimension tables, relationships, and why good modelling is essential for accurate insights and fast reports.
https://dev.to/charles_ndungu/the-backbone-of-power-bi-a-deep-dive-into-data-modeling-schemas-1o1l

4th Read: Data Analysis Steps in Power BI

This article reveals how Power BI analysts act as data translators, bridging the gap between messy data and clear business action. We break down their essential three-step process: cleaning raw information, encoding logic with DAX, and designing dashboards that drive real decisions.
https://dev.to/charles_ndungu/from-raw-data-to-real-action-the-analysts-journey-as-a-data-translator-in-power-bi-2gl6

Repo

https://github.com/Charles-Ndungu/excel-for-data-analytics

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