Git Fundamentals – Getting Started with Git and GitHub

Git Fundamentals – Getting Started with Git and GitHub

This course is part of Complete Git Guide: Understand and Master Git and GitHub Specialization

Instructor: Packt - Course Instructors

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6 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

6 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Understand the core concepts of version control and Git workflows.
Install and configure Git across various platforms and environments.
Explore Git’s internal structure, including its object model and hash functions.
Learn how to create, manage, and commit changes to branches in Git.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

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This course is part of the Complete Git Guide: Understand and Master Git and GitHub Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

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Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
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There are 6 modules in this course

This course features Coursera Coach!

A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. In this course, you will master the Git version control system and GitHub, essential tools for modern software development. By the end of the course, you will be proficient in installing and configuring Git on macOS, Windows, and Linux. You’ll also gain a solid understanding of Git’s internal mechanics, including its data structure and object model. You will learn key Git operations, such as tracking project files, committing changes, handling branches, and resolving conflicts. The course starts with an introduction to Git and GitHub, followed by practical lessons on installation and configuration. As you progress, you’ll gain hands-on experience with basic Git commands, learning how to effectively track and manage files, commit changes, and navigate through your project’s history. You will also explore Git's powerful tools for branching and merging, which are crucial for collaborating on complex development projects. In the later sections, you'll dive deeper into advanced Git concepts, such as hash functions, object management, and efficient branching strategies. This course is ideal for beginners who want to gain a strong foundation in version control and collaborate effectively using GitHub. Whether you are a developer or a student, this course will equip you with the skills and insights necessary to manage your projects efficiently.

In this module, we will introduce you to Git and GitHub, covering their significance in version control and software development. We’ll also distinguish between Git and GitHub, shedding light on their distinct roles. This section will set the foundation for your journey through Git and GitHub, focusing on the core concepts you'll need to understand.

What's included

3 videos2 readings

In this module, we will guide you through the installation process of Git on various operating systems, ensuring smooth setups on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Additionally, we’ll configure the shell environment, enhancing your Git experience on macOS with iTerm2 and Zsh for improved terminal functionality.

What's included

6 videos1 assignment1 plugin

6 videosTotal 33 minutes

Section 2 Introduction0 minutes
Installing Git on macOS2 minutes
Installing Git on Windows10 minutes
Installing Git on Linux8 minutes
Installing iTerm2 on macOS5 minutes
Installing Custom Z-Shell on macOS5 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

Installation of Git and Configuration of the Shell - Assessment15 minutes

1 pluginTotal 15 minutes

Installing and Verifying Git Installation15 minutes

In this module, we will introduce you to essential shell commands used in Git workflows, focusing on directory and file management. By the end of this section, you'll be able to navigate the command line, create, copy, move, and delete files—all vital skills for managing your Git repositories.

What's included

4 videos1 assignment1 plugin

In this module, we will explore Git’s internal mechanisms, including the object model and the contents of the .git folder. You’ll dive deep into how Git stores and manages data, gaining a comprehensive understanding of objects like blobs, trees, and commits. We’ll also cover Git's use of hash functions to ensure data integrity and prevent collisions.

What's included

29 videos1 assignment1 plugin

29 videosTotal 151 minutes

Section 4 Introduction0 minutes
Initializing a New Git Repository4 minutes
Overview of the .git Folder4 minutes
Git Object Types3 minutes
Writing a New Git Object with a git hash-object6 minutes
JSON Versus Git Database3 minutes
What is the Hash Function?3 minutes
Hash Function Overview3 minutes
SHA-1 Hash Function10 minutes
How Many Files Can Git Store?4 minutes
Probability Theory in a Dice Game4 minutes
Git Hash Collision Probability5 minutes
More Details on Hash Collision Probability (Optional)27 minutes
Exploring Git Objects with the git cat-file Command5 minutes
Creating a New Git Blob Based on a File7 minutes
Why Git Blobs Do Not Store File Names2 minutes
Contents of Git Objects10 minutes
What Have We Learned So Far?1 minute
Tree Objects in Git2 minutes
Git Object Permissions2 minutes
Creating a Git Tree Object9 minutes
(Free Preview) Examining Tree Object4 minutes
Working Directory, Staging Area, and Git Repository1 minute
Overview of Current File Distribution3 minutes
Git Read-tree3 minutes
Reading Files in the Staging Area Using git ls-files1 minute
Git Checkout-index3 minutes
Number of Folders Created for Objects2 minutes
Section Summary4 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

How Git Works Under the Hood - Assessment15 minutes

1 pluginTotal 15 minutes

Understanding Git Internals15 minutes

In this module, we will cover the basic Git operations that are essential for version control. From creating your first commit to understanding the file lifecycle, we’ll ensure you are comfortable managing files, making commits, and navigating your Git project. This section lays the groundwork for more advanced Git workflows.

What's included

14 videos1 assignment1 plugin

14 videosTotal 62 minutes

Section 5 Introduction0 minutes
What is a Commit?3 minutes
Configuring the Git Author Name and Email3 minutes
Creating Your First Commit4 minutes
Exploring a Commit Object5 minutes
Project's Current State Overview5 minutes
Basic Git Commands3 minutes
Adding a New File to the Working Directory5 minutes
Git Files Lifecycle8 minutes
Stage File1 minute
Unstage File using git rm2 minutes
Committing Changes2 minutes
Exploring Changes in a Git Repository7 minutes
Current Diagram of a Git Repository6 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

Basic Git Operations - Assessment15 minutes

1 pluginTotal 15 minutes

Working with Git: Traditional Workflow15 minutes

In this module, we will focus on Git branches and the HEAD reference, which are critical for managing different lines of development. You’ll learn how to create, manage, and switch between branches, as well as explore how these concepts fit into a version control workflow. This section will help you navigate Git’s branching model with confidence.

What's included

16 videos1 reading3 assignments1 plugin

16 videosTotal 94 minutes

Section 6 Introduction1 minute
Most Common Git Operations6 minutes
Project's Current State Overview1 minute
Installing GitHub Desktop3 minutes
GitHub Desktop Overview4 minutes
What is a Branch in Git?6 minutes
What is HEAD in Git?5 minutes
Third Commit5 minutes
Git Repository Changes after a Third Commit7 minutes
Checking Out a Specific Commit13 minutes
Why Do We Need Branches?10 minutes
Git Branches Management3 minutes
Creating a New Branch7 minutes
Committing Changes in the New Branch4 minutes
Exploring Commit in the New Branch5 minutes
Why Git Reuses Blobs with the Same Contents?7 minutes

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

Conclusion to the Course 'Git Fundamentals – Getting Started with Git and GitHub'10 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

Full Course Practice Assessment15 minutes
Git Branches and HEAD - Assessment15 minutes
Full Course Assessment60 minutes

1 pluginTotal 15 minutes

Working with Git Branches and HEAD15 minutes

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Instructor

Packt - Course Instructors

Packt

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.

If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. You’ll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.

Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. You’ll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.