How to Add Code on GitHub Repository?

Last Updated : 10 Jun, 2024

GitHub is a powerful platform for hosting and sharing code. Whether you’re working on a solo project or collaborating with others, adding code to a GitHub repository is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to add your code to a GitHub repository.

Steps to Add Code on GitHub Repository

Step 1: Create a New Repository on GitHub

Log in to GitHub: Open your web browser and log in to your GitHub account.
Create a new repository:
- Click on the “+” icon in the top-right corner and select “New repository.”
- Enter a repository name.
- Add a description (optional).
- Choose the repository type (public or private).
- Click “Create repository.”

Step 2: Initialize Git in Your Project Directory

Open your terminal: Open your command line interface (CLI) or terminal on your computer.
Navigate to your project directory:Use the cd command to navigate to the directory containing your project. For example:
```
cd path/to/your/project
```
Initialize a Git repository:
- Run the following command to initialize a new Git repository in your project directory:
```
git init
```

Step 3: Add Your Code to the Repository

Add files to the staging area: Use the git add command to add your files to the staging area. To add all files, run:
```
git add .
```
Commit your changes: Use the git commit command to commit your changes. Add a meaningful commit message:
```
git commit -m "Initial commit"
```

Step 4: Connect Your Local Repository to GitHub

Add the remote repository:
- Copy the URL of your GitHub repository. It should look like https://github.com/yourusername/your-repository.git.
- In your terminal, add the remote repository using the following command:
```
git remote add origin https://github.com/yourusername/your-repository.git
```
Verify the remote repository:
- Ensure the remote repository is added correctly by running:
```
git remote -v
```

Step 5: Push Your Code to GitHub

Push your changes:
- Use the git push command to push your changes to the GitHub repository:
```
git push -u origin main
```
- If your default branch is master, use master instead of main.

Step 6: Verify Your Code on GitHub

Check your repository:
- Go to your GitHub repository in your web browser.
- Refresh the page to see your files and commit history.

Tips for Effective Use

Frequent Commits: Make small, frequent commits to track changes more effectively and keep your commit history clean.
Branching: Use branches to work on new features or bug fixes without affecting the main codebase.
Pull Requests: When your feature or fix is ready, create a pull request to merge your changes into the main branch.