What is GitHub?

Definition

A web-based hosting service for software development and version control using Git. It provides the distributed version control of Git plus access control, bug tracking, feature requests, task management, and continuous integration.

Explain Like I'm New

If Git is the camera, GitHub is Instagram. It's the social network and cloud storage center for developers. It's where you upload your code so others can view it, collaborate on it, and download it.

Real World Example

Virtually every Open Source project (React, Linux, VS Code) is hosted on GitHub, allowing millions of developers around the world to collaborate on the same code seamlessly.

Common Use Cases

•Cloud code hosting
•Open Source collaboration
•Developer portfolios

Terminal Output

bash / terminal

/* Features that GitHub provides ON TOP of Git: 1. Pull Requests (UI for reviewing code before merging) 2. Issues (Bug tracking and task lists) 3. GitHub Actions (Automated servers that test your code) 4. GitHub Pages (Free website hosting) 5. Forking (Easily copying other people's projects) */

Interview Questions

basic

Is GitHub owned by the creators of Git?

intermediate

What is a 'Readme.md' file on GitHub?

Flash Cards

Question

Who owns it?

Click to reveal answer

Answer

No. Git is an open-source tool created by Linus Torvalds. GitHub is a private, for-profit company that was purchased by Microsoft in 2018 for $7.5 billion.

Question

What is a Readme?

Click to reveal answer

Answer

It is a Markdown text file placed at the root of your repository. GitHub automatically renders this file visually on the front page of your project. It is the 'Landing Page' where you explain what your project is and how to install it.