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Dishang Soni for ServerAvatar

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How to Install Git on Ubuntu Quickly: Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever felt stuck trying to Install Git on Ubuntu? You’re not alone! Installing Git is like putting the cornerstone in place before building your dream house: once it’s there, everything else falls into place smoothly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to Install Git on Ubuntu in no time – no jargon, no fuss. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Why You Need Git

Git is more than just a version control tool – it’s the backbone of modern collaboration. Whether you’re a solo developer or part of a large team, Git lets you track changes, revert to previous states, and work on multiple features simultaneously without fear of losing work. Think of it as a time machine for your code!

Prerequisites

Before we begin, let’s check what you need:

  • Ubuntu 18.04+ or any later release
  • Terminal access with a user having sudo privileges
  • An internet connection

That’s it! If you can open a terminal, you’re ready to go.

Update Ubuntu Packages

First things first – let’s make sure your package list is up to date. This ensures you’re installing the latest version of any software.

sudo apt update

Tip: Running sudo apt update is like refreshing your app store to see the newest app versions available.

Install Git via APT

Now, let’s install Git. A single command is all it takes:

sudo apt install git -y

The -y flag automatically confirms the installation. Easy peasy!

Verify Git Installation

Once the installation completes, you’ll want to confirm it worked. Run:

git --version

You should see something like git version 2.34.1. If you do, congrats – you’ve successfully installed Git on Ubuntu!

Configure Git User Information

Git needs to know who you are. Set your name and email globally with:

git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "you@example.com"

Why? Every commit is tagged with these details, creating a clear history for you and your collaborators.

Generate SSH Keys for Git

SSH keys allow secure communication with remote repositories:

ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "you@example.com"

Press Enter to accept defaults. If asked for a passphrase, choose one or leave blank for no passphrase.

Add SSH Key to GitHub/GitLab

Copy your public key to the clipboard:

cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub

Then, log in to your Git hosting service:

  • For GitHub, go to Settings > SSH and GPG keys > New SSH key.
  • For GitLab, navigate to User Settings > SSH Keys > Add new.

Paste the key and save. Voilà – you’re ready to push and pull!

Basic Git Commands

Getting comfortable with a few commands makes life easier:

  • git clone – Download a repository
  • git status – View changes
  • git add . – Stage changes
  • git commit -m "Message" – Commit changes
  • git push – Upload to remote
  • git pull – Download updates

Rinse and repeat!

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