Summarize this article with:
Over 100 million developers store their code on GitHub.
If you’re building software and not using it yet, you’re missing the most widely adopted platform for collaborative coding and source code management.
Learning how to use GitHub opens doors to open source contribution, team projects, and professional developer workflows.
This guide walks you through account creation, repository setup, branch management, pull requests, and issue tracking.
You’ll also learn how to set up automated workflows and resolve common errors.
No prior experience needed. Just a browser and 30 minutes.
How to Use GitHub
GitHub is a web-based platform for version control and collaboration that allows developers to store, manage, and track code changes using Git.
Teams use it when working on software development projects alone or with distributed teams across time zones.
This guide covers 7 core workflows requiring basic computer skills and approximately 30 minutes to complete initial setup.
You will learn repository creation, file management, branching strategies, pull request workflows, and issue tracking.
Prerequisites
Before starting, gather these requirements:
- Computer with internet access (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
- Web browser: Chrome 90+, Firefox 88+, Safari 14+, or Edge 90+
- Valid email address for account verification
- Basic understanding of file management on your operating system
- Git installed locally (optional for advanced workflows)
- Text editor or web development IDE such as VS Code
Time required: 25-35 minutes for complete setup.
Step 1: How Do You Create a GitHub Account?
What Information Do You Need for GitHub Registration?
Account creation requires an email, password (15+ characters recommended), and unique username.
The platform sends a verification link to confirm your email address.
Action
- github.com > Sign up button (top-right corner)
- Enter email address, create password, choose username
- Complete CAPTCHA verification puzzle
- Check inbox for confirmation email > Click verification link
Purpose
Your account establishes identity on the platform and provides access to repositories, issues, and code review features.
Without an account, you can browse public repositories but cannot create commits or open pull requests.
Step 2: How Do You Create Your First Repository?
Where Do You Find the New Repository Button?
The plus icon in the navigation bar opens a dropdown menu with the “New repository” option.
Alternatively, your dashboard displays a green “New” button in the repositories section.
Action
- Dashboard > Plus icon (+) in navigation bar > New repository
- Repository name field: enter project name (lowercase, hyphens for spaces)
- Visibility setting: select Public or Private radio button
- Check “Add a README file” checkbox
- Click “Create repository” button (green)
Purpose
A Git repository stores your project files and tracks every change made over time.
The README file serves as documentation that displays automatically on your repository’s main page.
What Settings Should You Configure for a New Repository?
Default settings work for most projects; adjust visibility and features based on team needs.
Action
- Settings tab > General section
- Features checkboxes: enable Wikis, Issues, Projects as needed
- Default branch name: confirm “main” under Settings > Branches
Purpose
Repository settings control who can access your codebase and which collaboration tools are available.
Private repositories hide code from public view; public repositories allow anyone to see and fork your work.
Step 3: How Do You Upload Files to GitHub?
Where Is the File Upload Interface?
The “Add file” dropdown on your repository’s main page provides two options: create new file or upload existing files.
Action
- Repository main page > Add file dropdown > Upload files
- Drag files into the upload area or click “choose your files”
- Commit message field: describe what you are adding
- Select “Commit directly to the main branch” radio button
- Click “Commit changes” button (green)
Purpose
Uploading files adds your code or documents to the remote repository where they can be tracked and shared.
Each upload creates a commit in your version history that you can reference or revert to later.
What File Types Can GitHub Store?
GitHub accepts most file formats with a 100 MB per-file limit.
Common types include:
- Code files: .py, .js, .html, .css, .java, .cpp, .rb
- Documentation: .md, .txt, .pdf, .rst
- Data files: .json, .csv, .xml, .yaml
- Images: .png, .jpg, .gif, .svg
For files larger than 100 MB, use Git Large File Storage (Git LFS).
Binary files like videos or compiled executables can be stored but do not benefit from diff tracking.
Step 4: How Do You Edit Files Directly on GitHub?
Where Do You Access the File Editor?
The pencil icon on any file opens GitHub’s built-in editor for quick changes without cloning locally.
Action
- Navigate to file in repository
- Pencil icon (top-right of file view) > Edit this file
- Make changes in editor window
- Scroll down > Commit changes section
- Add commit message describing your edit
- Select “Commit directly to main branch” radio button
- Click “Commit changes” button
Purpose
Direct editing allows quick fixes to documentation or config files without a local source control setup.
Best for small changes; larger edits benefit from a proper IDE.
Step 5: How Do You Clone a Repository to Your Computer?
What Is the Clone URL and Where Do You Find It?
The green “Code” button reveals your repository’s clone URL in HTTPS or SSH format.
Action
- Repository page > Code button (green)
- HTTPS tab > Copy URL button (clipboard icon)
- Open terminal or command prompt on your computer
- Type:
git clone [paste URL] - Press Enter
Purpose
Cloning creates a local copy of the remote repository on your machine for offline work.
All commit history transfers with the files.
What Is the Difference Between HTTPS and SSH Cloning?
- HTTPS: Requires username/password or token each time; URL format:
https://github.com/username/repo.git - SSH: Uses key-pair authentication, no password after setup; URL format:
git@github.com:username/repo.git
Start with HTTPS. Switch to SSH when pushing code frequently.
Step 6: How Do You Create a Branch?
Where Is the Branch Dropdown Menu?
The branch dropdown on your repository’s main page shows “main” by default and lets you create new branches.
Action
- Repository page > Branch dropdown (shows “main”)
- Text field: type new branch name
- Click “Create branch: [name] from main”
Purpose
Branches let you work on features or fixes without affecting the main codebase.
Teams use branching strategies to manage parallel development efforts.
What Are Branch Naming Conventions?
- Feature branches:
feature/user-login - Bug fixes:
fix/header-alignment - Documentation:
docs/api-reference - Releases:
release/v1.2.0
Consistent naming improves team coordination and repository organization.
Step 7: How Do You Create a Pull Request?
Where Do You Start a Pull Request?
The Pull requests tab displays all open, closed, and merged PRs with a button to create new ones.
Action
- Repository page > Pull requests tab
- New pull request button (green)
- Compare dropdown: select your branch
- Base dropdown: select target branch (usually main)
- Click “Create pull request” button
- Title field: describe the changes
- Description box: explain what and why
- Click “Create pull request” button (green)
Purpose
Pull requests propose changes and allow team members to review code before merging.
This workflow supports collaboration between dev and ops teams on shared projects.
What Should a Pull Request Description Include?
- Summary of changes made
- Related issue number: “Fixes #42”
- Testing steps performed
- Screenshots for UI changes
Step 8: How Do You Review and Merge a Pull Request?
Where Are the Review Options?
The “Files changed” tab shows line-by-line diffs with inline commenting.
Action for Review
- Pull requests tab > Select pull request
- Files changed tab > Review each file
- Click line numbers to add comments
- Review changes button (top-right, green)
- Select: Comment, Approve, or Request changes
- Submit review button
Action for Merging
- Conversation tab > Merge pull request button (green)
- Confirm merge button
- Delete branch button (optional cleanup)
Purpose
Reviews catch errors before code reaches production.
Merging combines approved changes into the target branch, creating a commit hash record.
Step 9: How Do You Use GitHub Issues?
Where Do You Create a New Issue?
The Issues tab serves as your project’s defect tracking and task management system.
Action
- Issues tab > New issue button (green)
- Title field: brief description of bug or feature
- Description box: detailed explanation with steps to reproduce
- Labels dropdown: select category (bug, enhancement, documentation)
- Assignees: select team member responsible
- Submit new issue button
Purpose
Issues track bugs, feature requests, and tasks in one organized location.
Linked issues close automatically when referenced pull requests merge.
What Makes a Good Issue Report?
- Clear, specific title
- Steps to reproduce (for bugs)
- Expected vs actual behavior
- Environment details: browser, OS, version numbers
- Screenshots or error messages
Step 10: How Do You Use GitHub Actions for Automation?
Where Do You Set Up Workflows?
GitHub Actions automate testing, building, and deployment when code changes.
Action
- Actions tab > New workflow button
- Choose a template or “set up a workflow yourself”
- Editor opens
.github/workflows/main.yml - Configure trigger events: push, pull_request
- Define jobs and steps
- Commit changes button
Purpose
Automated workflows support continuous integration by running tests on every commit.
Teams use Actions to build deployment pipelines that push code to production automatically.
Verification
Confirm successful setup by checking:
- Profile icon appears in top-right navigation
- Repository appears in “Your repositories” list
- Uploaded files display in repository file tree
- Commits show in repository History tab
- Branches appear in branch dropdown
- Pull requests appear in Pull requests tab
Troubleshooting
Permission Denied Error When Pushing Code
Issue: Terminal returns “Permission denied (publickey)” or authentication failed.
Solution: Check repository access in Settings > Collaborators; verify your personal access token has correct scopes (repo, workflow).
Merge Conflicts in Pull Request
Issue: GitHub displays “This branch has conflicts that must be resolved.”
Solution: Pull latest changes from main branch locally; resolve conflicts in affected files; commit and push.
Files Not Appearing After Upload
Issue: Uploaded files missing from repository view.
Solution: Refresh browser; check commit history for upload confirmation; verify file size under 100 MB limit.
Repository Showing Wrong Default Branch
Issue: Repository defaults to “master” instead of “main.”
Solution: Settings > Branches > Default branch > Switch to “main”
Cannot Delete Forked Repository
Issue: Delete option appears grayed out or missing.
Solution: Settings > General > Scroll to Danger Zone > Delete this repository
Related Processes
- How to add SSH key to GitHub for passwordless authentication
- Git commands reference for terminal operations
- How to host a website on GitHub using GitHub Pages
- Gitignore configuration to exclude files from tracking
- Git workflow strategies for team collaboration
- How to merge branches with different strategies
- How to revert to a previous commit when changes break production
FAQ on How To Use GitHub
What is the difference between Git and GitHub?
Git is a version control system that runs locally on your computer and tracks file changes.
GitHub is a cloud-based platform that hosts Git repositories online, adding collaboration features like pull requests, issues, and project boards.
Is GitHub free to use?
GitHub offers a free tier with unlimited public and private repositories.
Free accounts include 500 MB of package storage and 2,000 GitHub Actions minutes monthly. Paid plans add features like required reviewers and advanced security scanning.
How do I upload my existing project to GitHub?
Create a new repository on GitHub, then clone it locally.
Copy your project files into the cloned folder. Use git add, commit, and push commands to upload everything to the remote repository.
What is a fork and when should I use it?
A fork creates your own copy of someone else’s repository under your account.
Use forks when contributing to open source projects. Make changes in your fork, then submit a pull request to the original repository.
How do I keep my forked repository updated?
Add the original repository as an upstream remote.
Run git fetch upstream followed by git merge upstream/main to sync changes. This pulls updates from the source project into your fork.
What is the purpose of a README file?
The README.md file displays automatically on your repository’s main page.
It should explain what your project does, how to install it, usage examples, and contribution guidelines. Written in Markdown format for easy formatting.
How do I undo my last commit?
Use git reset to undo commits locally before pushing.
For commits already pushed, use git revert to create a new commit that reverses the changes while preserving history.
What are GitHub Pages?
GitHub Pages is a free hosting service for static websites directly from your repository.
Enable it in repository settings to publish documentation, portfolios, or project landing pages. Supports custom domains and HTTPS automatically.
How do I collaborate with others on GitHub?
Add collaborators through Settings > Collaborators for direct access.
For open source, contributors fork your repository and submit pull requests. Use issues for task tracking and discussions for community conversations.
What is GitHub Copilot?
GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered coding assistant that suggests code completions in your editor.
It analyzes context from your files and comments to generate function implementations, tests, and documentation. Requires a paid subscription after free trial.
Conclusion
Understanding how to use GitHub transforms the way you manage code and collaborate with other developers.
You now know how to create repositories, manage branches, submit pull requests, and track issues.
These workflows form the foundation of modern DevOps practices and team-based development.
Start with a small project. Push your first commit today.
As you grow comfortable with basic operations, explore continuous deployment pipelines and automated testing through GitHub Actions.
The platform scales from solo projects to enterprise codebases with thousands of contributors.
Bookmark this guide for reference. Return when you need to create new branches or troubleshoot merge conflicts.
Your commit history starts now.
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Over the years, he's worked with a range of clients and contributed to design publications like Design Your Way, Designmodo, WebDesignerDepot, WPDean, Speckyboy, and Slider Revolution among others.
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