git init 2021 – Eric M. Baumel, MD

by Eric M. Baumel

Putting your project under source control with GitHub

This is the first of a series of mini-posts of various computer housekeeping tips, initially for my own use. Hopefully these may also be some some benefit for others.

Source control with git serves several functions: - It provides a method of keeping track of changes made to your code, so you can roll back to a previous save if needed. - If used with a remote hosting service such as GitHub, gives a convenient back up of your code in the cloud. - Allows easy collaboration with other developers. - Can be used by many providers for managing deployment.

Let’s Get Started

Install git on your system, if not alread done: Git Install
Make directory to hold project

For iOS development: Create Xcode Project - start with appropriate project type

Navigate to your project folder using the command line.
In Terminal, put project under source control.
```
  git init
```
Create a .gitignore file.

A .gitignore file lists the files and directories you do not want under source control, such as hidden files (.DS_Store on MacOS) , environment files (.env), secure credentials, venv and test directories, etc.

Once you have files ready to be placed under source control, view the files that have been created or changed.
```
  git status
```
Track these files so they can be commited.
```
  git add .
```
Commit the waiting files.
```
  git commit -m “Project setup”
```

Only push commits that will build and run.

Now that you have a local git repo on your system, get ready to save it on GitHub:
Create new repository on GitHub. GitHub: Create a repo

Push your local repo to the remote main branch.

  git remote add origin <URL>
  git push origin main

Continue your work in a dev branch. This becomes your HEAD branch.
```
  git checkout -b <new-branch>
```

Other Useful Git Commands

git log Shows all commits.
git branch -av Lists all local branches.
git remote -v List all remote branches.
git checkout <branch> Switches your HEAD branch.
git branch -m <new-branch> Rename your HEAD branch.
git branch -d <local-branch> Delete local branch.
git push origin --delete <remote-branch-name> Delete remote branch.