GitHub/Get Started
< GitHub
To get started with GitHub, you will need to create a user account and then create a repository. In this lesson you will also use the web interface to create a README.md file, add files and folders to the repository, and then delete files and delete the repository.
Multimedia
Join GitHub
- Review GitHub: Signing up for a new GitHub account
- Visit GitHub: Join GitHub
- Enter your username, email address, and password.
- Verify your account.
- Choose the free individual plan.
Apply for a GitHub Student Developer Pack
- Review GitHub: Apply for a student developer pack.
- Visit GitHub: Student Developer Pack.
- Select
Get your pack. - Follow the instructions to apply for a GitHub Student Developer Pack.
Create a Repository
- Review GitHub: Create a Repo.
- Visit GitHub and sign in to your account.
- Select Repositories / New.
- Enter
Testfor the repository name. - Select the option to make it a private repository. (Note: A public repository can only be viewed as a website when using GitHub Free.)
- Select the option to Initialize this repository with a README.
- Create the repository.
Edit the README
- Review GitHub: Editing Files in Your Repository.
- Select the link to your README.md file to open the file.
- Select the
Edit this fileicon (pencil) to edit the file. - The README may contain anything you like. Because it is a private repository, only you and users you invite will be able to see this repository.
- Commit the change to modify the README file.
- Observe the new front page for your repository.
- If desired, edit the README and commit additional changes now that you are able to see how the README will appear.
Create a File
GitHub repositories are typically managed using the git command line or a git utility. But it is also possible to edit content directly using the GitHub website.
- In your GitHub repository select
Create new file. - Enter
test.txtfor the filename. - Enter anything you wish for the file content.
- Commit the change.
Edit a File
- Select
test.txt. - Select the
Edit this fileicon (pencil) to edit the file. - Change the file content to anything you wish, but something different so you can see the change.
- Select
Preview changesto see the change. - Commit the change.
Create a Folder and File
- In your GitHub repository select
Create new file. - Enter
My Folder/My File.txtfor the filename. - Enter anything you wish for the file content.
- Commit the change.
Add Collaborators
- In your GitHub repository select
Settings. - Select
Manage access. - Select
Invite a collaborator. - Enter the GitHub username of anyone you would like to have collaborate with you on your repository. Collaborators will have write access.
- Select
Add collaboratorto send a collaboration invitation.
Delete a Folder and File
- In your GitHub repository select
My Folder. - Select
My File.txtto view the file. - On the right, select the
Delete this file(trash can icon). - Commit the change.
- Observe that an empty folder is automatically removed from a git repository.
Delete a Repository
- In your GitHub repository at the top, select
Settings. - Observe the repository options available.
- At the bottom of the page, select
Delete this repository. - Delete your Test repository.
Use GitHub
You are now ready to use GitHub and create your own repository.