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GitHub Account and GitHub Desktop

In this section, you'll learn how to set up a GitHub account and install GitHub Desktop, which will be essential for managing and submitting your assignments using Git and GitHub repositories.

Sign Up for a GitHub Account

If you don't already have a GitHub account, follow these steps to sign up:

  1. Sign Up: Visit the GitHub website at github.com.
  2. Create an Account: Click on the "Sign up" button and follow the on-screen instructions to create your GitHub account.
  3. Choose a Plan: Select a plan that suits your needs. GitHub offers free plans for public repositories and provides options for private repositories if needed.

Install GitHub Desktop

GitHub Desktop is a user-friendly application that simplifies the process of working with Git and GitHub repositories. Here's how to install it:

  1. Download GitHub Desktop: Visit the GitHub Desktop download page at desktop.github.com.
  2. Download and Install:
    • On Windows: Run the downloaded installer and follow the installation instructions.
    • On macOS: Open the downloaded DMG file, drag the GitHub Desktop application into the Applications folder.
    • On Linux: GitHub Desktop is not officially supported on Linux, but you can use Git on the command line or explore alternative Git GUI tools.

Basic Git Commands

To get comfortable with using Git for version control, familiarize yourself with some basic Git commands. You can find comprehensive documentation on Git commands in the official Git documentation.

Tip

Windows users should clone repositories within the WSL file system, typically located at \\wsl.localhost\Ubuntu\username.

Here are a few essential Git commands to get you started:

  • git init: Initialize a new Git repository in a directory.
  • git clone [repository URL]: Clone a remote repository to your local machine.
  • git add [file]: Stage changes for commit.
  • git commit -m "Your commit message": Commit staged changes.
  • git push: Push changes to a remote repository.
  • git pull: Pull changes from a remote repository.
  • git status: Check the status of your repository.
  • git log: View commit history.

Getting Started with GitHub Desktop

GitHub Desktop simplifies common Git and GitHub tasks through a graphical interface. Refer to the official GitHub Desktop documentation to learn how to use the application effectively.

With a GitHub account and GitHub Desktop installed, you'll be ready to create, manage, and submit your assignments as GitHub repository links.

Happy coding and version control with Git and GitHub!