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

3. Initialize the repository:

git init git-demo

4. You should see:

Initialized empty Git repository in /your/path/git-101/.git/

5. 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.