git init 2021

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.