Introduction
Git is the industry-standard version control system for tracking code changes and collaborating on projects. Whether you’re a developer, sysadmin, or hobbyist, mastering Git on Linux unlocks efficient workflow management. This guide covers installation, configuration, and essential commands with practical examples.
Step 1: Installing Git
For Debian/Ubuntu (apt)
sudo apt update && sudo apt install git -y For Fedora/RHEL (dnf)
sudo dnf install git -y For Arch/Manjaro (pacman)
sudo pacman -Sy git Verify Installation:
git --version
# Example output: git version 2.34.1 Step 2: First-Time Configuration
Set your global identity (used in all commits):
git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "your.email@example.com" Optional Settings:
git config --global core.editor "nano" # Set default text editor
git config --global init.defaultBranch main # Change default branch name View Settings:
git config --list Step 3: Basic Git Workflow
A. Initialize a Repository
mkdir my-project && cd my-project
git init # Creates hidden .git directory B. Track Files
echo "Hello Git!" > README.md
git add README.md # Stage specific file
git add . # Stage all changes C. Commit Changes
git commit -m "Add README file" D. Check Status & History
git status # View unstaged/staged changes
git log --oneline # View commit history Step 4: Remote Repositories (GitHub/GitLab)
A. Link to Remote
git remote add origin https://github.com/username/repo.git B. Push Changes
git push -u origin main # First push (sets upstream)
git push # Subsequent pushes C. Pull Updates
git pull origin main Step 5: Essential Commands Cheat Sheet
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
git diff |
Show unstaged changes |
git reset HEAD~1 |
Undo last commit (keep changes) |
git checkout -- |
Discard local changes |
git clone |
Download existing repository |
git branch |
Create new branch |
Troubleshooting Tips
-
Permission Denied?
Usesudoonly for installation, not daily Git operations. -
Authentication Issues:
Use SSH keys instead of HTTPS:git remote set-url origin git@github.com:username/repo.git -
Merge Conflicts:
Resolve conflicts in marked files, then run:git add . && git commit -m "Resolved conflicts"
Conclusion
Git transforms chaotic development into a streamlined process. Start with small projects, commit frequently, and explore advanced features like branching (git branch) and stashing (git stash). Practice daily to build confidence!
Pro Tip: Run git help for instant documentation (e.g., git help commit).
> Next Steps: Learn about .gitignore files, branching strategies, and interactive rebasing. Happy version controlling! 🐧💻