
π§©Make your First Repository with Git & GitHub

Version control is the backbone of modern software development β and in 2025, Git and GitHub are more powerful (and beginner-friendly) than ever.
Whether you're solo-building side projects or collaborating in massive open-source ecosystems, this guide helps you use Git & GitHub faster and smarter.
π§© Step 1: Install Git
Head over to Download Link and download Git for your OS. After installation:
# Confirm installation
$ git --version
β If you see a version number, you're ready.
π¦ Step 2: Set Up Git for the First Time
# Configure your identity
$ git config --global user.name "Your Name"
$ git config --global user.email "you@example.com"
π This info will appear in your commit history.
π οΈ Step 3: Initialize Your First Git Project
- Create a folder for your project
- Open it in VS Code
$ git init
$ touch index.html
$ git add .
$ git commit -m "Initial commit"
β Your project is now version controlled!
βοΈ Step 4: Create & Push to GitHub
- Go to Github β New Repository
- Name it and donβt initialize with README
$ git remote add origin https://github.com/your-username/your-repo.git
$ git push -u origin main
π Now your project lives on the cloud!
π» Step 5: Use Git Inside VS Code
- π§© Use the Source Control panel
- π Stage and commit files easily
- π Preview changes visually
Bonus Extensions:
- π― GitLens β Deep Git insights
- π GitHub Pull Requests β Code review inside VS Code
ποΈ Step 6: Manage Large Projects Like a Pro
π Structure wisely:
src/
assets/
components/
π§Ή Use a .gitignore
to keep your repo clean:
node_modules/
dist/
.env
π‘ Pro Tips:
- Create feature branches (
git checkout -b new-feature
) - Use Pull Requests for collaboration
- Organize tasks in GitHub Projects (Kanban-style)
π New Git & GitHub Features in 2025
β¨ GitHub Copilot Workspace
- π€ AI-assisted setup, commits & PRs
- βοΈ Code suggestions from issue context
ποΈ GitHub Projects 2.0
- π Hybrid board & roadmap view
- π§ Smart filters & dependencies
βοΈ GitHub Actions
- β‘ Faster CI/CD pipelines
- π³ Native Docker + Node.js support
- π Free secrets scanning
π§ Smart Git Tips Most Devs Overlook
π Better Commit History
$ git log --oneline --graph --all
βͺ Undo Commits (without losing code)
$ git reset --soft HEAD~1
π§³ Use Stash for Temporary Saves
$ git stash
$ git stash pop
βοΈ Git vs GitHub
Feature | Git (Local) | GitHub (Cloud) |
---|---|---|
Tracks code | β Yes | β Yes |
Works offline | β Yes | β No |
Team collaboration | π« No | β Yes |
Pull Requests | π« No | β Yes |
Issue Tracking | π« No | β Yes |
π GitHub Best Practices (2025 Edition)
- β Enable branch protection rules
- π§ͺ Turn on code scanning
- π Store secrets via GitHub Actions env vars
- π¬ Use GitHub Discussions for ideas & feedback
β TL;DR β Master Git & GitHub Like a Pro
- βοΈ Install + configure Git
- π» Use VS Code for a smooth workflow
- βοΈ Push & sync with GitHub
- π Organize work using GitHub Projects
- π€ Supercharge with Copilot & Actions
The sooner you master Git & GitHub, the faster youβll ship cleaner, smarter code.
π Go commit something awesome today!

Muhammad Hamid Raza
Content Author
Originally published on Dev.to β’ Content syndicated with permission