Git From Scratch

Git tracks changes. GitHub and GitLab can host the remote repository.

Before you begin

Only store files you own or are licensed to place in the repository. Never commit secrets.

Basic workflow

Clone:

git clone YOUR_REPOSITORY_URL
cd YOUR_REPOSITORY

Inspect:

git status

Update from the remote:

git pull origin main

For changes you intentionally maintain:

git add .
git commit -m "Update server configuration"
git push origin main

Production rule

Do not use git add . blindly until you understand what is untracked. Run git status first.

Success check

You can clone a fresh copy, pull an update, see what changed, and restore the previous known-good version.

Document status

Last reviewed: September 2026
Version note: Use the instructions that match your installed product/resource version. When behavior differs from your release, check its release notes before changing production configuration.