Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

freeCodeCamp

Git and GitHub Crash Course for Beginners [2026]

via freeCodeCamp

Overview

Coursera Flash Sale
40% Off Coursera Plus for 3 Months!
Grab it
Master Git and GitHub fundamentals through this comprehensive 81-minute crash course designed specifically for beginners seeking to build strong version control foundations. Start by understanding why version control matters and how Git's core concepts work, then progress through hands-on installation across Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. Learn essential Git commands including git init, git status, git add, and git commit while creating your first project from scratch. Explore advanced file management techniques with git rm and various deletion options, then dive into commit history analysis using git log. Develop proficiency in branch management through git branch and checkout commands, master branch merging strategies, and learn to resolve merge conflicts effectively. Gain expertise in navigating project history by checking out older commits and comparing versions with git diff. Transition to GitHub integration by learning push operations, understanding the crucial differences between fetch and pull commands, and implementing safe change management with git restore. Master temporary work preservation using git stash, learn proper commit reverting with git revert, and understand the powerful git rebase functionality. Complete your GitHub workflow education by creating, reviewing, and merging pull requests through practical demonstrations. Each concept is reinforced with clear examples and real-world workflows, ensuring you develop the confidence to use Git and GitHub effectively in professional development environments.

Syllabus

- 0:00:00 Introduction to Git & GitHub
- 0:02:51 Why Version Control Matters
- 0:06:16 How Git Works Core Concepts
- 0:09:31 Installing Git on Windows/Mac/Linux
- 0:12:46 Creating Your First Git Project git init
- 0:16:06 Understanding git status
- 0:19:21 Staging Files with git add
- 0:22:41 Committing Changes git commit
- 0:25:56 Deleting Files Safely git rm, --cached, -f
- 0:29:11 Viewing Commit History git log
- 0:31:46 Working with Branches git branch, checkout
- 0:35:56 Merging Branches
- 0:38:51 Merge Conflicts Explained
- 0:42:36 Checking Out Older Commits
- 0:45:06 Comparing Versions with git diff
- 0:47:56 Pushing to GitHub git push
- 0:51:21 Fetch vs Pull git fetch, git pull
- 0:54:46 Undoing Changes Safely git restore
- 0:58:06 Saving Temporary Work git stash
- 1:01:26 Reverting Commits git revert
- 1:04:46 Understanding Git Rebase
- 1:09:06 Creating a Pull Request on GitHub
- 1:12:36 Reviewing & Merging a PR
- 1:15:56 Wrap Up & Final Thoughts

Taught by

freeCodeCamp.org

Reviews

Start your review of Git and GitHub Crash Course for Beginners [2026]

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

Someone learning on their laptop while sitting on the floor.