How to Install Github on Windows [Step-by-Step Tutorial

Cloudtechtiq December 20, 2024

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Git is an essential tool for developers, enabling version control, collaboration, and streamlined workflows in projects of any scale. If you’re new to GitHub using a Windows machine, you might be wondering how to get started. This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the process of installing Git Hub on Windows, ensuring you’re ready to leverage its powerful features.

What is Git and Why Use It?

Git is a distributed version control system that allows multiple developers to work on a project simultaneously without overwriting each other’s work. It tracks changes in source code, supports branching and merging, and offers tools to revert changes if needed. Whether you’re working solo or as part of a team, Git ensures a smooth and reliable development experience.

Step 1: Download Github on Windows

Visit the Git Website Open your preferred browser and navigate to the official Git website: https://git-scm.com/. Download the Installer
On the homepage, you’ll see a download button tailored to your operating system. Click the “Download for Windows” button to start downloading the installer.

Step 2: Run the Installer

Locate the File Once the download is complete, locate the installer file (e.g., Git-2.x.x-x64.exe) in your Downloads folder or wherever you saved it.
Start the Installation Double-click the installer to launch the setup wizard.

Step 3: Configure Installation Options

During the setup, you’ll encounter several configuration options. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:
1. Select Destination Folder
The default installation path is typically C:\Program Files\Git. You can leave it as is or choose a different location.
2. Select Components
You’ll be prompted to choose additional components:
Leave the default options checked, including icons and Windows Explorer integration.
For beginners, enabling the Git Bash Here and Git GUI Here options is recommended.
3. Choose the Default Editor
Git requires a default text editor. If you don’t have a preference, leave it set to Vim (the default). Alternatively, you can select a familiar editor like Visual Studio Code or Notepad++.
4. Adjust PATH Environment
This step configures how Git is used in your terminal:
Choose the option “Git from the command line and also from 3rd-party software” for the broadest compatibility.
5. Select HTTPS Transport Backend
Leave the default option: “Use the OpenSSL library”.
6 Line Ending Conversions
Select “Checkout Windows-style, commit Unix-style line endings” for the best cross-platform compatibility.
7. Enable Extra Options
Git provides optional features like file system caching and credential managers. Enable these if you’re unsure—they improve performance and usability.
8. Finalize Installation
After confirming your selections, click Install. The installation process will take a few minutes.

Step 4: Verify the Installation

Open Git Bash Git Bash is a command-line interface that provides a Unix-like terminal on Windows. You can find it by searching for “Git Bash” in the Start menu.
Check Git Version Type the following command in Git Bash to verify your installation.

If Git is installed correctly, the terminal will display the version number (e.g., git version 2.x.x).

Step 5: Configure Git

To start using Git, you’ll need to set your username and email address. These details are used to track your commits.

Set Your Username Run the following command, replacing “Your Name” with your name:
Set Your Email Address Replace youremail@example.com with your email:
Verify Configuration To confirm your settings, type:

Step 6: Start Using Git

Congratulations! Git is now installed and configured on your Windows machine. You can start creating repositories, cloning projects, and committing changes.

If you’re new to Git, consider exploring basic commands such as:

Git init – Initialize a new repository. Git clone [URL] – Clone an existing repository. git status – View the current status of your repository. git add [file] – Stage files for a commit. git commit-m “[message]” – Commit changes with a message.

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Conclusion

Installing GitHub on Windows is a straightforward process when broken into simple steps. With Git on your system, you can take full advantage of version control, improving collaboration and productivity in your development projects. Keep practicing, and explore Git’s advanced features, and soon you’ll be managing repositories like a pro.