How to Push to GitHub: Simple Steps

Pushing code to GitHub is a critical skill for every developer. Properly managing your code using Git and GitHub ensures a smooth collaboration and effective version control.
As a central repository hosting service, GitHub offers powerful tools like GitHub Desktop and GitHub CLI to simplify this process.
Without these, coordinating on software projects can quickly become chaotic. By mastering the basics of pushing to GitHub, you’ll streamline your workflow and enhance your project management capabilities.
In this article, you’ll learn the exact steps to push your code to a GitHub repository. This includes configuring your GitHub repository, setting up SSH keys for secure authentication, committing your changes, and finally pushing them to the remote repository.
Whether you’re updating a local repository, handling merge conflicts, or managing branches, you’ll get clear, actionable instructions.
Get ready to turn your local repository updates into collaborative successes with comprehensive, step-by-step guidance.
How To Push To GitHub: Quick Workflow
To push your local code to GitHub, you can follow these steps using either the command line or GitHub Desktop. Here’s a concise guide for both methods:
Using the Command Line
- Create a New Repository on GitHub:
- Go to GitHub and create a new repository. Do not initialize it with a README, license, or .gitignore file.
- Open Your Terminal:
- Navigate to your local project directory using the
cd
command.
- Navigate to your local project directory using the
- Initialize Git:
git init
- Add Your Files:
- Stage your files for commit:
git add .
- Commit Your Changes:
git commit -m "Initial commit"
- Add Remote Repository:
- Replace
REMOTE-URL
with the URL of your newly created GitHub repository:
git remote add origin REMOTE-URL
- Replace
- Verify Remote URL (optional):
git remote -v
- Push to GitHub:
- If your default branch is
main
, use:
git push -u origin main
- If it’s named differently, replace
main
with your branch name.
- If your default branch is
Using GitHub Desktop
- Download and Install GitHub Desktop if you haven’t already.
- Clone the Repository:
- Open GitHub Desktop and clone your repository by selecting “Clone” from the menu.
- Copy Files:
- Move your project files into the cloned folder on your local machine.
- Commit Changes:
- In GitHub Desktop, you will see the changes. Write a commit message and click “Commit to main” (or your branch name).
- Publish Your Branch:
- Click on “Publish Branch” to upload your files to GitHub .
Understanding Git Push and Remote Repositories
Key Concepts
Definition and Role of the git push
Command
The git push
command is used to upload your local repository content to a remote repository. It is one of the essential Git commands you will frequently use.
This command takes the changes in your local repository and applies them to the remote repository.
Relationship Between Local and Remote Repositories
A local repository exists on your local machine, while a remote repository is hosted on a platform like GitHub.
The local repository allows you to work offline, making changes that are then synchronized with the remote repository to ensure your codebase stays updated across various locations.
Common Use Cases
Pushing Code for Collaboration and Backup
One of the primary use cases is pushing code to GitHub for collaboration. Multiple team members can contribute to the same project, ensuring that everyone has the latest changes. It also serves as a backup for your project, safeguarding your work.
Synchronizing Local Changes with a Remote Repository
When you make changes locally—whether it’s fixing bugs or adding new features—you’ll need to synchronize these changes with the remote repository. Running git push
moves your local commits to the remote repository, keeping it up to date with your latest work.
Creating and Configuring a GitHub Repository
Setting Up a Repository on GitHub
Creating a New Repository from the GitHub Dashboard
Head over to GitHub and log in. Click on the “New” button or the “+” icon. You’ll be prompted to create a new repository.
Name your repository—something descriptive yet succinct. You can add an optional description to clarify the project’s purpose.
Choosing Repository Visibility Settings (Public or Private)
You’ll then decide whether your repository will be public or private.
Public repositories are visible to everyone, ideal for open-source projects. Private repositories are only visible to you and your collaborators. Choose based on your project’s needs.
Adding a Remote Reference
Using the git remote add
Command
With your repository set up on GitHub, it’s time to connect your local repository to the remote one. Open your terminal. Inside your project directory, run:
git remote add origin [repo_URL]
Replace [repo_URL]
with your GitHub repository URL.
Copying and Pasting the GitHub Repository URL
To get the URL, navigate to your GitHub repository. You’ll see a “Code” button. Click it. You’ll see options for HTTPS and SSH. Copy the preferred URL and paste it in your terminal after the git remote add
command.
Connecting your local repository to the GitHub remote is essential for tasks like how to push to GitHub and ensures seamless synchronization between your local and remote codebases.
Pushing an Existing Project to GitHub

Executing Git Push Commands
Running git push -u origin main
or Equivalent for the First Push
Right, once you’ve set up your local repository and added a remote reference, it’s time to push your changes to GitHub for the first time. Open your terminal and navigate to your project directory. Enter:
git push -u origin main
This command pushes your local changes to the main branch of your remote repository. Here, -u
sets the upstream reference.
Understanding Flags Like -u
and -f
(Force)
The -u
flag is significant for setting the upstream branch, simplifying future pushes. Now, on to -f
—the force flag. This can overwrite changes on the remote repository. Use it with caution, as it can forcefully replace remote data, potentially causing losses. Commands might look like this:
git push -f origin main
Common Scenarios
Pushing to a Blank Repository
Simple and straightforward. When your remote repository is empty, pushing from the local repository fills it with all your commits and changes. The remote repository will now mirror your latest local state. No conflicts, just a clean upload.
Overwriting a Repository with Existing Content
Tricky but sometimes necessary. If you need to overwrite the remote repository, you might use the --force
flag to ensure all changes from the local repository replace the remote content.
This is useful when you want to completely replace the history and contents of the remote.
Verifying the Push
Logging into GitHub to Check Uploaded Files
Once you’ve successfully pushed, head over to GitHub. Log into your account and navigate to your repository.
You should see all the files and folders listed as they exist in your local repository. This ensures the push was successful.
Reviewing Commit History for Accuracy
While on GitHub, check the commit history. Each commit should match your local history, ensuring all changes have been properly synchronized.
This step is crucial for verifying the integrity of your pushed data and maintaining a reliable version history.
Advanced Strategies for Managing Remote Repositories
Handling Non-Fast-Forward Errors
Causes and Implications of Non-Fast-Forward Updates
Non-fast-forward errors occur when your local branch isn’t aligned with the remote branch. This typically means changes have been made to the remote branch that aren’t present locally.
Attempting to push without these changes leads to a nasty error. It’s Git’s way of ensuring you don’t overwrite someone else’s work inadvertently.
Fetching Changes Using git fetch
and Merging Conflicts
First thing, fetch the updates:
git fetch origin
With the latest changes fetched, merge them into your branch:
git merge origin/main
If conflicts arise, manually resolve them by editing the problematic files. Afterward, stage and commit the resolved changes.
Renaming and Deleting Remote Branches
Renaming Branches with git push origin branch:branch-new
Sometimes you need to rename a remote branch. For this, use:
git push origin branch:branch-new
Then, delete the old branch:
git push origin --delete branch
This ensures continuity and eliminates any confusion with outdated branch names.
Deleting Branches Using git push origin :branch
To delete a branch from the remote repository, you can use:
git push origin :branch
Notice the colon before the branch name. This syntax tells Git to remove the designated branch from the remote repository.
Working with Forks
Adding and Syncing an Upstream Repository
Forking a repository is common, especially in open-source projects. Once you’ve forked, you might want to sync with the original repository, known as the upstream.
Add the upstream repository URL:
git remote add upstream [upstream_repo_URL]
Sync your forked repo by fetching and merging:
git fetch upstream
git merge upstream/main
Pushing Changes and Creating Pull Requests
After making changes, push them to your forked repository:
git push origin main
Using GitHub Desktop for GUI-Based Workflow
Installing GitHub Desktop
Downloading and Setting Up the Application

First, head over to the GitHub Desktop website. Click the download button to get the installer for your operating system.
Run the installer. Follow the prompts to complete the setup. It’s pretty straightforward—the usual next, next, finish sequence.
Configuring GitHub Credentials
Once installed, open GitHub Desktop. You’ll be asked to sign in. Enter your GitHub credentials. This allows the application to access your repositories.
You might need to authorize the app on GitHub through your browser. Follow the link and confirm.
Steps to Push Using GitHub Desktop
Cloning a Repository Locally
In GitHub Desktop, hit “File” > “Clone repository”. Choose the repository you want to clone from the list or paste the URL.
Select the local path where you want the clone to live and click “Clone”. Your repository is now ready on your machine.
Adding Project Files to the Clone Folder
Navigate to the local clone folder. Drop your project files into this directory.
GitHub Desktop will automatically detect these changes. You’ll see them listed as uncommitted changes in the application.
Committing and Publishing Changes
Go back to GitHub Desktop. You’ll see your changes listed. Write a descriptive commit message in the “Summary” box.
Hit “Commit to main” to commit the changes locally.
Now, to push the committed changes to GitHub, click “Push origin”. This sends your changes to the remote repository. Check GitHub to make sure everything is in order.
Best Practices for Pushing Projects to GitHub
Writing Clear Commit Messages
Importance of Descriptive and Concise Messages
Commit messages are vital. They explain why a change was made. This facilitates collaboration and future reference. Descriptive but concise commit messages save you and your team headaches down the road. It’s not just about saying “Fixed bug”. Explain which bug, in what module, and why.
Following Conventions for Commit Messages
Many teams follow specific conventions. Start with a short, 50-character summary. Leave a blank line. Add a detailed explanation if necessary. For example:
Fix bug in authentication module
Resolved issue with token validation leading to unauthorized access.
This format ensures consistency and readability.
Structuring Repositories Effectively
Organizing Files and Folders for Clarity
A well-organized repository makes navigation easier. Place related files in the same directory. Use descriptive folder names. This improves both human readability and tooling efficiency. For instance:
src/
for source code.tests/
for unit tests.docs/
for documentation.
Pro tip: Avoid deep nesting. It complicates access.
Including Documentation Files like README.md
A README.md file is essential. It provides an overview of your project. Include usage instructions, installation steps, and any dependencies. For open-source projects, this file acts as a welcome mat for contributors.
Using Git Ignore
Excluding Sensitive or Unnecessary Files
Not every file belongs in the repository. Sensitive files like API keys or configuration files should remain local. Similarly, dependencies that can be easily re-installed don’t need to clutter your repository.
Crafting a .gitignore File Tailored to the Project
Create a .gitignore
file. Specify what not to track. For instance:
node_modules/
.env
.DS_Store
These entries ensure that only relevant files make it into version control, improving security and reducing repository bloat.
FAQ on How To Push To GitHub
How do I initialize a local Git repository?
To start, navigate to your project folder via the terminal. Use the command git init
. This initializes a local Git repository in your project directory, setting up the necessary Git structure.
How do I connect my local repository to a GitHub repository?
First, create a repository on GitHub. Then, in your terminal, add the GitHub repository as a remote by typing git remote add origin [repo_URL]
.
How do I stage and commit changes in Git?
Use git add .
to stage all changes in your working directory. Run git commit -m "your commit message"
to commit these changes. This records your project’s state.
What’s the command to push commits to GitHub?
The command git push origin master
pushes your commited changes to the master branch of your GitHub repository. Ensure you’ve configured your GitHub authentication.
What’s an SSH key and how do I use it with GitHub?
An SSH key adds an extra layer of security. Generate one with ssh-keygen
. Add the public key to your GitHub account settings and use the SSH URL of your repository for authentication.
How do I pull changes from a GitHub repository?
The git pull origin master
command retrieves and merges changes from the master branch of the remote repository to your local repository. Useful for synchronization.
How do I handle merge conflicts in Git?
When conflicts happen, open the conflicted files and make the necessary edits. After resolving conflicts, stage (git add .
) and commit the changes (git commit
).
How can I push to a new branch on GitHub?
Create a branch using git checkout -b new-branch-name
. Make your changes, then push them with git push origin new-branch-name
.
How do I set up GitHub Desktop?
Download and install GitHub Desktop. Use its intuitive GUI to clone repositories, commit changes, and push to GitHub without using the command line.
What is a pull request on GitHub?
A pull request enables collaboration. After pushing your changes, navigate to your GitHub repository and click “New Pull Request”. This allows others to review and merge your changes into the main branch.
Conclusion
Understanding how to push to GitHub is an invaluable skill for any developer. By now, you should be comfortable with the essential steps: initializing a local repository, staging and committing changes, and executing the push command.
Securing your repository with SSH keys ensures your data’s safety. Customizing branch management and making pull requests will enhance your project collaboration.
Key actions to remember:
- Initialize your repository using
git init
. - Stage and commit changes.
- Push to the remote repository with
git push origin master
. - Manage branches and resolve conflicts efficiently.
Push to GitHub like a pro. Mastering these steps will streamline your development workflow and give you confidence in your version control processes.
Embrace these commands and techniques to manage your repositories on GitHub seamlessly. Your project continuity and collaboration efforts will benefit greatly.
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