Git & GitHub Essential CLI Reference
Project Setup
1. Initialize Git Repository
git init
Purpose: Creates a local Git repository inside the current project.
Example Generated Structure:
mysite/
├── .git/
├── src/
├── package.json
Run: Once per project
2. Check Repository Status
git status
Purpose: Shows changed, new, and tracked files.
Use: Daily development
First Commit
3. Add Files
git add .
Purpose: Stages all changed files for commit.
4. Create Commit
git commit -m "Initial commit"
Purpose: Saves a snapshot of the project.
Example:
git commit -m "Add homepage"
git commit -m "Update navigation"
git commit -m "Fix footer"
GitHub Connection
5. Create Main Branch
git branch -M main
Purpose: Renames current branch to main.
6. Connect GitHub Repository
git remote add origin https://github.com/username/repository.git
Purpose: Links local project to GitHub repository.
Run: Once per project
7. Push Project to GitHub
git push -u origin main
Purpose: Uploads project to GitHub.
Run: First push
Daily Workflow
Check Changes
git status
Stage Changes
git add .
Commit Changes
git commit -m "Describe changes"
Push To GitHub
git push
Maintenance
View Commit History
git log --oneline
Purpose: Shows commit history.
Pull Latest Changes
git pull
Purpose: Downloads latest updates from GitHub.
Use:
- Multiple devices
- Team projects
Common .gitignore
node_modules/
_site/
.env
.DS_Store
Purpose: Prevents unnecessary files from being uploaded.
Daily Workflow
git status
git add .
git commit -m "Update content"
git push
Done.
Important Files & Folders
.git/ → Git repository data
.gitignore → Ignored files list
package.json → Project configuration
node_modules/ → Installed packages
Commands Used Most Often
git status
git add .
git commit -m "message"
git push
git pull
Conclusion
For most projects, you'll use only these four commands daily:
git status
git add .
git commit -m "message"
git push
They let you track changes, save progress, and keep GitHub updated.