What is Git & GitHub? Version Control Simplified

By TrainingHub.io — Mississauga’s Premier Institute for IT and Software Training

In today’s modernized era of software, version control is not an option: it is a requirement. Whether you are a software developer, QA tester, data analyst, or system administrator, it is imperative to understand how to manage code changes and work with the teams.

This is where Git and the GitHub come to play.

At TrainingHub.io we train hundreds of learners each year on real-world tools and technologies that employer’s demand. In this blog, you will see the technical basics of Git and GitHub, how they function, and why they are so important to your IT career.

Understanding Version Control Systems (VCS)

Let us first understand Version Control before jumping into Git.

A Version Control System helps track changes in files over time. Think of it as a system that:

• Logs every change you make to a project
• Allows you to restore earlier versions
• Facilitates collaboration without overwriting others' work

There are two main types of VCS:

• Centralized VCS (e.g., SVN, CVS)
• Distributed VCS (e.g., Git)

Git falls into the Distributed Version Control category, where every user has a complete local copy of the repository.

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What is Git?

Git is a free and open-source distributed version control system, originally developed by Linus Torvalds in 2005 to support the development of the Linux kernel.

Key Features of Git:

• Distributed model: Every developer has a full copy of the repository
• Branching and merging: Create isolated branches for features, and merge safely
• Staging area: Review and organize your changes before committing
• Speed and performance: Optimized for efficiency, even with large codebases

Basic Git Workflow:

• Initialize repository: git init
• Add files to the staging area: git add <filename>
• Commit changes: git commit -m "Your message"
• Create branches: git branch feature-login
• Merge branches: git merge feature-login
• View history: git log

What is GitHub?

GitHub is a web-based Git repository hosting platform. It allows you to:

• Store your Git projects in the cloud
• Collaborate with others via pull requests
• Manage issues, tasks, and documentation
• Showcase your work to employers and recruiters

It supports both public and private repositories, and integrates well with CI/CD tools, testing frameworks, and project management systems.

GitHub is not Git, but rather a platform built around Git.

Git vs GitHub: What’s the Difference?

How Git and GitHub Work Together

Here’s a practical workflow integrating both:

bash

# Step 1: Create a local repo

git init

# Step 2: Add files

git add .

# Step 3: Commit changes

git commit -m "Initial commit"

# Step 4: Connect to GitHub

git remote add origin https://github.com/username/repo.git

# Step 5: Push to GitHub

git push -u origin main

From there, team members can clone the repository, create branches, and use pull requests to propose changes—enabling clean, traceable collaboration.

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Best Practices for Using Git & GitHub

• Commit often: Smaller, frequent commits make debugging easier
• Use clear commit messages: Describe what and why, not just how
• Branch strategically: Separate new features or bug fixes
• Pull before pushing: Avoid conflicts by syncing changes
• Use “.gitignore”: Exclude temp files, environment variables, etc.
• Review “pull” requests thoroughly: Peer code reviews reduce bugs

Why Git & GitHub Matter in Your IT Career

Employers across industries—from startups to large enterprises—expect professionals to understand Git and GitHub. Skills in version control are relevant to:

• Software Developers
• QA & Automation Testers
• DevOps Engineers
• Data Scientists
• Technical Project Managers

Having an active GitHub profile is a great way to showcase your personal or academic projects and demonstrate your technical capabilities.

Learn Git & GitHub with TrainingHub.io

At TrainingHub.io, based in Mississauga, Canada, our curriculum integrates Git and GitHub into MERN Stack & JavaScript programs. We ensure that you:

• Understand real-world Git workflows
• Work on group projects with GitHub collaboration
• Get hands-on with branching, merges, and pull requests
• Build a GitHub portfolio that impresses employers

Courses That Include Git & GitHub

• MERN Stack
• JavaScript

Final Thoughts

Git and GitHub are fundamental tools in the software ecosystem. They allow you to code with confidence, collaborate seamlessly, and deliver higher-quality work faster. At TrainingHub.io, we simplify these concepts with instructor-led training, hands-on labs, and personalized support.

Ready to strengthen your tech career and boost your confidence? Speak with a course advisor at TrainingHub.io today!