So you've been hearing about Github everywhere from your classmates, mentors and that online Data Science bootcamp you signed up for last year and completely forgot about. You are now wondering: "Do I actually need this? I just started completed my first data analysis project recently?"
Yes your projects are code too. And it starts write here
In this guide, I'll walk you through installing Github Desktop the user friendly version of Github that doesn't require you to memorize endless terminal commands.
No more final_v2_ACTUAL_FINAL.xlsx files cluttering your desktop
Here are the Requirements Before We Start:
-A computer running 64-bit version of Windows 10 or Windows 11
- A free GitHub account — sign up at github.com if you haven't already
- About 10 minutes of your time
- An active internet connection
Step-by-Step: Installing GitHub Desktop
Step 1 — Download the Installer
Head over to desktop.github.com
You'll see a big download button. It automatically detects your OS, so just click Download for Windows and let it do its thing.
Step 2 — Run the Installer
Once the download finishes, open the installer file:
-
Windows: Look for
GitHubDesktopSetup.exein your Downloads folder and double-click it.
The installation is automatic after this just sit back for about 30 seconds.
Step 3 — Sign In to Your GitHub Account
Click Sign in to GitHub.com → it'll open your browser → log in with your GitHub credentials → then come back to the app.
You'll see a welcome screen with your username. That means it worked!
Step 4 — Configure Your Identity
GitHub Desktop will ask for your name and email address. Use the same email you signed up with on GitHub.
Step 5 — You're In! Create Your First Repository
A repository (or "repo") is just a folder that GitHub is keeping track of.
Click Create a New Repository on your Hard Drive, give it a name like my-data-projects, choose where to save it, and hit Create Repository.
GitHub also lets you:
- Share your work publicly as a portfolio
- Collaborate with teammates without overwriting each other's files
- Track what changed and when incredibly useful when debugging
Installing Github Desktop is very easy as I have illustrated. Create that first repo. And start building habits that real data professionals use every day.
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