Top 10 GitHub Features Every Beginner Should Know (Detailed Guide)

Github
01 Feb 2025 03:44 PM

GitHub is one of the most powerful platforms for version control, collaboration, and software development. Whether you're working on personal projects or contributing to open source, knowing how to use GitHub effectively can make your workflow smoother and more productive.

In this guide, I'll break down the top 10 GitHub features every beginner should master with step-by-step instructions.

1. Repositories: Your Code Storage

A repository (repo) is where your project’s files and history are stored on GitHub. You can create a repo to store, manage, and track your project's code.

How to Create a Repository?

  1. Log in to GitHub and click on the + icon in the top right corner.
  2. Click "New repository".
  3. Fill in the details:
    • Repository Name (e.g., my-first-repo).
    • Description (optional but recommended).
    • Visibility: Public (visible to everyone) or Private (only accessible to you).
    • Initialize with a README: A README file helps explain the project.
  4. Click "Create repository".

Cloning a Repository (For Local Development)

After creating a repo, you can clone it to your computer for offline development.

git clone https://github.com/your-username/my-first-repo.git
cd my-first-repo

✅ Tip: Always add a README.md file to explain what your project does.

2. Forking: Create Your Own Copy of a Repository

Forking a repository creates a personal copy of another user’s project in your GitHub account. This is useful for contributing to open-source projects.

How to Fork a Repository?

  1. Open a repository that you want to contribute to.
  2. Click the "Fork" button in the top right.
  3. GitHub will create a copy of the repo under your account.

Clone Your Forked Repository

git clone https://github.com/your-username/forked-repo.git
cd forked-repo

✅ Tip: Forking allows you to make changes without affecting the original project.

3. Pull Requests: Propose Changes to a Project

A Pull Request (PR) is a way to submit your changes for review before merging them into the main project.

Steps to Create a Pull Request

  1. Fork and clone the original repository.
  2. Create a new branch for your changes:
    git checkout -b new-feature
  3. Make changes to the code.
  4. Stage and commit the changes.
    git add .
git commit -m "Added a new feature"
  5. Push the changes to GitHub.
    git push origin new-feature
  6. Go to GitHub and click "Compare & pull request".
  7. Write a clear PR title and description explaining your changes.
  8. Click "Create pull request".

✅ Tip: PRs should have clear commit messages and descriptions.

4. Issues: Report Bugs and Request Features

Issues are used for bug tracking, feature requests, and discussions.

How to Create an Issue?

  1. Go to the "Issues" tab in a repository.
  2. Click "New Issue".
  3. Write a title and description of the problem or request.
  4. Click "Submit new issue".

✅ Tip: Use labels like bug, enhancement, or help wanted to categorize issues.

5. GitHub Actions: Automate Your Workflows

GitHub Actions allow you to automate tasks like testing, deployments, and CI/CD.

Example: Run Tests on Every Commit

Create a file in your repo: .github/workflows/test.yml

name: Run Tests
on: [push, pull_request]
jobs:
  test:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v2
      - name: Run tests
        run: npm test

✅ Tip: GitHub Actions can automate code linting, testing, and deployments.

6. GitHub Pages: Host Static Websites for Free

GitHub Pages allows you to host static websites directly from a repository.

Steps to Enable GitHub Pages

  1. Go to your repository’s Settings.
  2. Scroll down to the GitHub Pages section.
  3. Select a branch (e.g., main or gh-pages).
  4. Your website will be available at:
    https://your-username.github.io/repository-name/
     

✅ Tip: GitHub Pages supports HTML, CSS, and JavaScript but does not support back-end languages like PHP.

7. Code Reviews: Collaborate Efficiently

Code reviews improve project quality and help maintain best practices.

How to Request a Code Review?

  1. Open a Pull Request.
  2. Click "Reviewers" and add team members.
  3. Reviewers can leave comments, request changes, or approve the PR.

✅ Tip: Use @username to mention specific reviewers.

8. Branching: Work Without Affecting the Main Code

Branches allow you to work on new features without modifying the main project.

Create a New Branch

git checkout -b feature-branch

Switch Between Branches

git checkout main

✅ Tip: Avoid working directly on the main branch.

9. Security Features: Protect Your Code

GitHub offers built-in security tools like Dependabot and CodeQL.

Key Security Features

  • Dependabot: Automatically updates dependencies to prevent security vulnerabilities.
  • Secret Scanning: Detects exposed API keys or passwords.
  • Branch Protection: Prevents direct changes to main without reviews.

✅ Tip: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security.

10. GitHub Copilot: AI-Powered Coding Assistant

GitHub Copilot is an AI tool that suggests code as you type.

How to Use GitHub Copilot?

  1. Install the Copilot extension in VS Code.
  2. Start typing code, and Copilot will suggest completions.
  3. Press Tab to accept a suggestion.

✅ Tip: Copilot helps with boilerplate code but should be reviewed for accuracy.

Final Thoughts

Mastering these GitHub features will boost your development workflow and make collaboration easier. 🚀

Recap of the Top 10 Features

✅ Repositories 📂
✅ Forking 🍴
✅ Pull Requests 🔄
✅ Issues 🛠
✅ GitHub Actions ⚙️
✅ GitHub Pages 🌐
✅ Code Reviews 👀
✅ Branching 🌿
✅ Security Features 🔒
✅ GitHub Copilot 🤖

By understanding and using these features, you'll become more confident in using GitHub and collaborating with developers worldwide.

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