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Git Init

The first step to using Git in any project is to initialize a repository. This sets up a hidden .git directory that tracks your changes, branches, history, and more.

What is a Repository​

A repository (or repo) is a directory where Git tracks and stores versions of your files. You can initialize a new Git repository in any folder using the git init command.

Once initialized, Git will start tracking changes in that folder — but only for files you tell it to track.

Create Your First Repository​

  1. Open your terminal
  2. Navigate to a directory where you will keep your repo's
    • IF you don't have one I like to use projects: mkdir projects
cd  projects
  1. Initialize the repository:
git init git-demo
  1. You should see:
Initialized empty Git repository in /your/path/git-101/.git/
  1. Confirm Git is now tracking the folder:
ls -a  # or `dir /a` on Windows
tip

This command can be used on existing codebases or folders to track the chages of the files inside, not just new directories you create.