If you work in tech at all, you have probably already been introduced to Git – version control system. Git version control helps developers and writers keep track of source code and documentation. If a change needs to be reverted, it is easy to go back and revert a change.

What is Git?

Git is a free, open-source version control system that is the most widely used distributed version control software in use today. Distributed version control system, means that each user has their own copy of the project code on their local system vs. relaying on a central server to store file changes.

What are the Benefits of Version Control?

There are many benefits to using a version control system including:

• Backups – every time someone clones a repository, they are basically creating a backup of the current version of that repository.

• Keep a history and track changes – a long-term change history of every file.

• Collaborate and contribute – the ability to contribute to projects even when in different countries.

• Traceability – the ability to trace each change made to the code.

Here are some resources to help you get started learning Git!

1. Learn Git Branching

   Learn Git Branching is a visual and interactive way to learn Git on the web.

2. Git Started with GitHub

   Git Started with GitHub is a free course on Udemy about learning the basics of Git and GitHub, with clear, step-by-step instructions.

3. Pro Git book

   Pro Git book, written by Scott Chacon and Ben Straub, tells you eveything you need to know about Git. It’s a great resource and you can download the eBook for free!

4. Git Immersion

   Git Immersion – a guided tour that walks you through the fundamentals of Git by doing.

5. Git for Ages 4 & Up

   Git for Ages 4 & Up is a presentation from Linux Conf AU. I’ve watched this video several times and it is highly entertaining and really does help you learn Git!

6. Dangit, Git!?!

   Dangit, Git!?! – for when you need to get yourself out of Git mistakes!

7. Git from the inside out

   Git from the inside out is an essay that explains how Git works. A great way to go deeper into Git and understand what is actually happening.

8. First Aid Git

   First Aid Git is a searchable collection of the most frequently asked Git questions. It provides solutions to the most common issues encountered, with simple explanations.

9. Learn Git with Bitbucket Cloud

   Learn Git with Bitbucket Cloud – a excellent tutorial by Atlassian on learning and mastering Git.

10. Introduction to Git and GitHub

    Introduction to Git and GitHub is a course offered by Google from Coursera. It’s free for learning but you will have to pay for the course if you want the certification.

Once you have learned Git, try your hand at contributing to a open-source project!

Extra: Making your first open source contribution in 5 minutes

I encourage everyone working in a technical field to learn Git and also help out an open-source project by at least trying to make a contribution once!