intro to git

why git?

Git was built for version control. Also allows branches to be built (ie. developer branch, main functional branch)

git as a user (not a developer)

1. download git repository from github
2. update to local version with latest version on github
3. check out other versions

1. download/cloning git repository from github

Find github repository of interest. In the top right should be a green button. Clicking on it, you will see writting 'clone' copy the https link below it.

Find a directory you intend to work in.

#i.e.,
mkdir dung_track
cd dung_track

Then we will clone repository in this directory

#i.e.,
git clone https://github.com/refmitchell/autotracker-deluxe.git

#outputed should be something like

#Cloning into 'autotracker-deluxe'...
#remote: Enumerating objects: 101, done.
#remote: Counting objects: 100% (101/101), done.
#remote: Compressing objects: 100% (71/71), done.
#remote: Total 101 (delta 59), reused 58 (delta 26), pack-reused 0
#Receiving objects: 100% (101/101), 53.85 KiB | 2.07 MiB/s, done.
#Resolving deltas: 100% (59/59), done.

If all works correctly you should have the repository downloaded in your intended directory!

2. update to local version with latest version on github

If you want to update your local version with a update version on github. the following code will allow this.(ensure you are in the correct directory (i.e., ))

git pull

3. check out other versions/branches

If for some reason the newest version is not working for you but a older version is you can revert to a older version.

First you need to find which version. The following command will get the full history of previous versions.

git log

#i recommend if you want a simplified version
git log --oneline

#i.e., output
#0751ace (HEAD -> master, origin/master, origin/HEAD) Fix issue #12
#298da0d Fix issue #9
#49a195e Fixes issue #10
#dda71a1 Fix issue #7

#if you are stuck in log view
#pressing q will get you out

Then change to the version of interest. Each version has a id, so copy the from one of the versions and sue the following command

git checkout [version_id_of_interest]

#i.e.,
git checkout 298da0d

#i.e., output
#Note: switching to '298da0d'.
#[...]
#HEAD is now at 298da0d Fix issue #9

You can now the older code instead of the new one.

It is easy to switch back to the newest version on your local machine.

git checkout master

This will bring you back to the newest version.