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Learn how to use Git for version control by walking through a simple mock project. We’ll cover:
  • Initializing a Git repository
  • Staging and committing files
  • Inspecting commit history
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand the core Git commands for day-to-day workflows.

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Table of Contents

  1. Initialize a Git Repository
  2. Stage and Commit greetings.txt
  3. Add and Commit bye.txt
  4. Quick Reference: Common Git Commands
  5. Links and References

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1. Initialize a Git Repository

Start by creating a new directory and turning it into a Git repository: 
mkdir hello-git
cd hello-git
git init
You should see: 
Initialized empty Git repository in /path/to/hello-git/.git/
Now you’re inside a Git-controlled project. All subsequent Git commands will operate here.

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2. Stage and Commit greetings.txt

First, create a file named greetings.txt: 
nano greetings.txt
The image shows a GNU Nano text editor screen with a new file named "greetings.txt" open. The screen displays various command options at the bottom.
Check the repository status to see untracked files: 
git status
Sample output: 
On branch master
No commits yet
Untracked files:
  (use "git add <file>..." to include in what will be committed)
        greetings.txt
Stage and commit your changes: 
git add greetings.txt
git commit -m "Add greetings.txt with initial message"
View the commit history: 
git log
Sample output: 
commit eafd1cdd14d46c191c7aaf2675b5aef6c418c17 (HEAD -> master)
Author: you <[email protected]>
Date:   Sat Sep 24 06:15:31 2022 +0530

    Add greetings.txt with initial message
A clear, descriptive commit message helps you and your team understand the purpose of each change.

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3. Add and Commit bye.txt

Repeat the workflow to add a second file:
  1. Create bye.txt: 
    nano bye.txt
  2. Confirm it’s untracked: 
    git status
  3. Stage all changes at once: 
    git add .
  4. Commit with a message: 
    git commit -m "Add bye.txt"
  5. Review the full commit history: 
    git log
You’ll see both commits listed, with the most recent on top.
Always run git status before committing to avoid accidentally omitting or including unwanted files.

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Quick Reference: Common Git Commands

CommandUse CaseExample
git initCreate a new Git repositoryInitialize version control in a project
git statusShow untracked, staged, and changed filesVerify your working directory state
git add <file>Stage changes for the next commitgit add greetings.txt
git add .Stage all changesStage new, modified, and deleted files
git commit -m "<message>"Commit staged changes with a messagegit commit -m "Add new feature"
git logView commit historyDisplay commits in reverse chronological order
Start practicing these commands today to build a solid foundation in version control!

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