Git and GitHub concepts in a nutshell

This guide is essential for those new to coding, unfamiliar with programming collaboration, or beginners who found learning Git and GitHub confusing. It explains Git and GitHub—essential development tools—in an easy-to-understand way using relatable analogies, helping anyone grasp and utilize them effortlessly.

Below, you can review the concepts of Git and GitHub, commonly used terminology, understanding their structure, and security precautions.

🔍 이 글과 함께 알아두면 좋은 꿀팁

📌 “그냥 쓰면 큰일 나요!” — GitHub 올리기 전 확인 필수!
처음 GitHub에 코드를 올리는 분들 중에는 실수로 API 키, 비밀번호 같은 민감한 정보를 포함하는 경우가 많아요. 이렇게 되면 보안 사고가 생길 수 있죠.

💡 해결 방법은 .gitignore 파일을 설정해 중요한 파일을 아예 업로드되지 않도록 관리하는 것이에요.

이 외에도 GitHub 사용 시 꼭 알아야 할 보안 주의사항은 이 글에서 확인하세요!

🛠️ Easily Understand Git and GitHub Concepts

We've organized the basic concepts and differences between Git and GitHub with analogies for easy understanding.

📋 Key Concepts of Git and GitHub

ConceptDefinitionAnalogyInstallation Location
GitChange History Storage ToolDiary📓My Computer
GitHubGit User Collaboration SpaceLibrary📚Internet
GitHub DesktopTools that make Git and GitHub easy to useTV Remote🎮My Computer
  • Git is a tool that stores and manages the history of file changes on your computer.
  • GitHub is a space for storing and sharing files created with Git on the internet.
  • GitHub Desktop is a program that helps you easily use Git and GitHub.

📚 Common Git and GitHub Terms Explained

This table explains terms frequently used in Git and GitHub in simple terms.

🖥 Common Git Terms

TermMeaningAnalogy
RepositoryProject folderFile storage📁
CommitSave WorkWrite Journal📓
BranchFeature Experiment SpaceNotebook📄
MergeMerge CodeBundle Posts
PushPush to GitHubPosting to the library
PullPull from GitHubDownload the diary

🌐 Common terms on GitHub

TermMeaningAnalogy
ForkCopy a projectCopy a friend's note
Pull RequestChange RequestRequest Teacher Review
IssueIssue ProposalBoard📝
CloneCopy from GitHubBook Borrowing
ActionsRun Automated TasksAutomation Robot🤖
  • A commit saves your changes; think of it like "writing in a diary."
  • Pushing is the action of uploading from your computer to GitHub, like shelving a book in the library.
  • A Pull Request is asking others to review your work and merge it.

🧩 Understanding the Structure: Where do Git, GitHub, and GitHub Desktop fit?

Let's organize the structure of Git and GitHub at a glance.

scss복사편집내 컴퓨터
├─ Git (변경 이력 관리)
├─ GitHub Desktop (편리한 도구)
인터넷
└─ GitHub (코드 협업 공간)
  • Git is installed on your computer and used locally.
  • GitHub is an online platform used on the web.
  • GitHub Desktop is a tool that easily connects Git and GitHub on your computer.

Handy Tip:
Think of Git as a 📓diary, GitHub as a 📚library, and GitHub Desktop as a 🎮remote control!

🚨 Important GitHub Precautions: Security is essential!

Here are the security rules you must follow when using GitHub.

PrecautionsDescriptionAnalogy
Prohibition of Sensitive InformationDo not upload passwords or API keysLike leaving your house key in front of the door
Use .gitignoreSet up upload prevention filesHide in a safe
Verify before committingAlways review commit contentVerify before sending messages
Caution with public repositoriesKeep sensitive information privatePosting personal information on bulletin boards
Review trustworthiness when cloningBeware of malwarePlugging in unknown USB drives
  • Always manage sensitive information .gitignoreManage it securely.
  • When setting a project to public, always verify that it does not contain passwords, keys, or similar sensitive information.
  • When copying code, it's crucial to develop the habit of verifying the source is trustworthy.

⚠️ Precautions When Using Git Commands

Here are precautions and usage examples for frequently used Git commands.

CommandPrecautionsGood ExampleBad Example
CommitUse meaningful messagesfeat: 로그인 기능 추가수정
BranchWork on a separate branchgit checkout -b feat/login
MergeCheck for conflictsgit merge 브랜치명
PushPush after reviewing changesgit push origin main
PullMust update to latest version before workinggit pull origin main
  • Writing simple and clear commit messages makes tracking easier later.
  • Always add features in a separate branch, not directly on the main branch.
  • Resolving conflicts before merging is essential.

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We've compiled frequently asked questions about Git and GitHub.

Do I have to use Git and GitHub together? You can
use Git alone, but using GitHub alongside it makes collaboration and backup much more convenient.

Is GitHub free?
Basic features are free, while private repositories and additional features require a paid plan.

Do I have to install GitHub Desktop?
It's not mandatory, but it's very useful if you're not familiar with Git commands.

Why are Push and Pull important?
Push uploads your work, and Pull fetches others' work. They're essential for collaboration.

Why should I use branches? They help manage code safely
when working on multiple features simultaneously or experimenting.

How do I set up .gitignore? Simply list the
filenames you don't want uploaded .gitignore in a file.

How do I manage sensitive information? Separate it into
files like .env and configure it not to be uploaded via .gitignore.

What if a merge conflict occurs? Manually resolve
the conflicting changes, then commit and push again.

What are GitHub Actions? They automate tasks like building
, testing, and deploying your code.

📢 Additional useful information

💻 How to install Git

Operating SystemInstallation MethodLink
WindowsInstall Git for WindowsOfficial Site
macOSUsing Homebrewbrew install git
LinuxUsing a Package Managersudo apt install git etc.
  • Git can be downloaded from the official website.
  • After installation, don't forget to set your user information with the `git config` command!

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