Basic git commands for beginner

Many of my students often ask for a simple guide to get started with Git—a collection of essential commands to kick off their Git journey. So, here’s a concise list of beginner-friendly Git commands to help you become productive right away and set you on the path to becoming a Git ninja! 🥷

In this guide, we’ll focus on using Git commands directly in the terminal. Ready? Open up your terminal, and let’s dive in!

1. Initialize a Git Repository: git init The git init command sets up a new Git repository in your project.

Command	Description
mkdir gitPractice	Create a new project directory
cd gitPractice	Navigate to the project directory
git init	Initialize the Git repository

This creates an empty .git directory inside your project, signaling that Git is now tracking your files.

1. Check the Status of Your Files: git status The git status command shows you the current state of your files—whether they’re untracked, staged for commit, or unchanged.

Command	Description
touch git_practice.txt	Create a new file
git status	Check the status

You’ll see the new file (git_practice.txt) listed as untracked. Git isn’t tracking it yet, so it won’t be part of your next commit.

1. Stage Files for Commit: git add Use the git add command to tell Git to start tracking a file or prepare it for commit.

Command	Description
git add git_practice.txt	Add a specific file
git add .	Add all files in the directory

Running git status again will show the files as staged and ready to commit.

1. Commit Your Changes: git commit Committing saves your staged changes into the repository’s history.

Examples:

Command	Description
git commit	Commit without a message (prompts for one)
git commit -m "Initial commit"	Commit with a message

1. Switch or Create Branches: git checkout Branching lets you work on features or fixes without affecting the main codebase.

Examples:

Command	Description
git checkout -b feature_x	Create a new branch and switch to it
git checkout develop	Switch to an existing branch

Pro Tip: If the branch you’re switching to doesn’t exist, Git will notify you.

1. Merge Changes Between Branches: git merge Merging integrates changes from one branch into another.

Example:

Command	Description
git checkout master	Switch to the master branch
git merge develop	Merge the develop branch into master

Now, the changes made in the develop branch are part of the master branch.

Bonus Tip: Stay Organized!
After making changes, use git status to check what’s staged, committed, or untracked. And always write meaningful commit messages—future you (and your team) will thank you. 😊

Wrapping Up
I hope this guide helps you get a solid start with Git. These commands are just the tip of the iceberg, but mastering them will make you more productive and confident as you work with Git repositories.

Keep smiling, and stay tuned for more tips in the next blog! 😊✨