Git and GitHub#
Git is used for version control: keeping track of changes to files and sets of files. Git is most commonly used with code, but it can be very useful for tracking changes and versions when writing articles, chapters, books, and other documents as well.
GitHub is one service that allows you to share git repositories with other people, either for collaborating on projects or just sharing the contents. GitHub also has useful features for project management, making and sharing simple websites and html pages, searching code, and even writing code and automating processes.
When and Why to Use Git#
What git is and how it works: Git for Humans , from Alice Bartlett
Why you should use git: Academic Benefits of using Git , from Mike Croucher
How to Use Git#
Dataquest Git and Version Control : An interactive tutorial that can be done in your browser. An account is required, but this tutorial can be accessed for free.
Git-it : An interactive tutorial through a downloadable app that starts from the beginning. It takes a few steps to install everything, but the application guides you through using your own terminal and text editor.
Git Essential Training on LinkedIn Learning (free Northwestern access): A video course.
Learn Git Branching : Ready for next steps with git? Try this interactive, visual tutorial in your web browser to learn about git branches.
How to use GitHub#
GitHub Skills : GitHub adds additional features on top of git. Learn how to use the GitHub platform.
Using Git with Specific Tools#
How to use git with R and RStudio:
Happy Git and GitHub for the useR , from Jenny Bryan and Jim Hester
Reference Resources#
Git Basics is part of a git guide from GitHub: this section is particularly useful for getting git set up and configured; other sections are more useful as reference than when learning git from scratch.
Git Cheat Sheet from Atlassian: a list of common git commands.
Pro Git : the official tutorial in book form, available online; not the place for a beginner to start, but good for reference.
Undoing Commits & Changes : how to actually use git’s version control features to get back to a previous version.
Dangit, Git?!? : a guide to help you when you’ve done something wrong.
Oh, sh**, git! : another guide to help you when something’s gone wrong.