What Is GitHub? Use Cases and FAQ

Key takeaways

GitHub is a web-based platform for hosting Git repositories and supporting collaborative software development. A few things to know:

• It provides tools for version control, code review, issue tracking, and project management, all built around the Git system.

• Software developers use GitHub to develop code and share open-source projects with each other.

• You can get started with GitHub for free by creating a personal account.

This article outlines how GitHub works, its use cases, and frequently asked questions about the platform. If you'd like to get started with a little guidance from an industry pro, consider enrolling in Google's Introduction to Git and GitHub course.

What is GitHub?

GitHub is a centralized platform where developers store and manage code. It's based off of Git, adding features like pull requests, code review, issue tracking, and permissions control, making it a popular choice for individuals and development teams to collaborate on software projects from anywhere.

What is GitHub used for?

GitHub is used to host code and support collaboration across development teams. It provides a central place to store project files, track changes, and coordinate contributions. Team members can access the same repository, see the latest version of the code, and propose changes through features like branches and pull requests. GitHub also includes tools for reviewing code, discussing updates, and managing tasks, which makes it well-suited to both open-source and professional workflows. Because of this built-in support for communication and coordination, it's often referred to as a social coding platform

What’s the difference between Git and GitHub?

GitHub is a cloud-based platform that hosts Git repositories and adds collaboration tools on top of Git. It allows teams to share code, review changes, discuss issues, and manage projects in one place. While GitHub simplifies working with Git through its web interface, it doesn’t replace it. Git an open-source, free version control system that developers run locally on their computers to track changes in their code.

Read more: What is Git? Use Cases and FAQ

How does GitHub work?

GitHub free version provides access to a large collection of public repositories, including open-source projects, tools, and codebases across a variety of programming languages and use cases. You can use it to explore how others structure code, reuse components, or reference examples in your own work. Basic features like branching, pull requests, and permissions are available to all users. GitHub also supports automation tools such as testing frameworks or formatting checks, which can help maintain code quality as projects grow.

GitHub support and documentation

Because GitHub is widely used, there’s extensive documentation available both from GitHub itself and the broader developer community. Whether you're learning the basics or troubleshooting a specific issue, you'll likely be able to find guides, examples, or discussions that address your questions. The platform also supports more advanced workflows, making it useful at different stages of experience.

Who uses GitHub?

Developers use GitHub to work together on a single project with the benefit of version control. This helps them reduce duplicating work. Plus, GitHub allows developers to try new things. If the changes aren’t positive, they can easily revert back to the previous version.

You’ll also find others using GitHub, such as:

• Scientific researchers

• Website content creators

• Computer programmers

• Software engineers

• Students

Does GitHub teach you to code for free?

GitHub offers a free tier that gives you to access unlimited public and private repositories that you can use as resources when you're learning to code. In GitHub Codespaces, you can practice using concepts you learn in coding tutorials and courses. Note that GitHub also provides paid plans that include advanced tools and insights in private repositories. 

GitHub FAQ

GitHub supports a wide range of development workflows, from individual projects to large-scale team collaboration. Its features are designed to make version control more accessible and to streamline the way teams contribute, review, and manage code. The following FAQ section covers common questions about how GitHub works.

What is GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot is a coding tool that uses artificial intelligence to suggest code as you write. It integrates with code editors like Visual Studio Code and supports multiple programming languages. Copilot is designed to assist with repetitive coding tasks and generate function templates.

What is a pull request in GitHub?

A pull request is a way to ask that your changes be added to someone else’s project on GitHub. After you make edits in your own copy of the repository, you can open a pull request to show what you changed and why. Other people can review your work, leave comments, and decide whether to accept and merge your changes into the main project.

Alternatives to GitHub

GitHub may be the largest code host available, but it isn’t the only option. You might also try:

• GitLab: This repository is like GitHub but focuses more on DevOps and continuous integration.  It only allows its team of web developers to collaborate on code.

• SourceForge: This web service welcomes GitHub migrants by letting you transfer your repositories to its open-source code hosting platform.

• Google Cloud Source Repositories: This is an option for private repositories that limits the number of users on the free tier (only available to current customers as of June 2024).

How to use GitHub as a portfolio 

Using GitHub for your e-portfolio demonstrates a technological savvy, which can help you stand out in this digital world. Follow these steps to use GitHub for your portfolio:

1. Sign up for a free GitHub account.

2. Create your content first in a separate platform (e.g., Google Docs or Word) to ensure you have a master copy.

3. Add your work to a GitHub project board by creating a new repository. Keep in mind that GitHub repositories are publicly visible by default. You may want to set it to private if it’s a work in progress.

4. Share with others and ask for input.

5. Edit and revise in the collaborative interface.

6. Publish your work to a GitHub page open to the public.

7. Share your final portfolio with your network of potential employers. You could also put it on your resume and LinkedIn profile.

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