Git Started on Windows

Get your computer ready for collaboration with Git

Prerequisites

Git

Git is a distributed version control system that allows developers to work together on common projects and collaborate effectively with people around the world.

Repositories

A repository is a place to store content. This project is kept in a public repository at https://github.com/denisecase/git-started-windows.

Repositories may also be private - visible only to yourself or to a team.

Cloud Storage Providers

There are many places to store your content while you collaborate. You may be asked to set up free accounts with popular providers:

Both are widely used and it can be helpful to have accounts in both places. As you create new repositories for yourself or a team, you can decide which one is a better choice for each project.

If you’re a student, check both sites for the most recent education options.

Prerequisites

Set up Git

It is critical that you follow all setup instructions when you first install Git. You must configure Git with your full name and email address.

Set up Git for every repository on your computer by following the simple instructions at:

Transferring Files

There are two methods for transferring files from our computer to the cloud: HTTP and SSH. They offer two different ways of providing authentication and authorization.

Optional: Install Putty for SSH

To enable the SSH option, we need to be able to generate a pair of keys. One public key that is kept in our account in the cloud and a private key that is kept on our machine.

Install PuTTY from https://www.ssh.com/ssh/putty/download.

PuTTY includes PuTTYgen, a utility program that helps create SSH key pairs.

SSH Public-Private Key Pairs

When I work, I use:

I create a public-private key pair for every email-computer-cloud combination. For each combination, I’ll create a .ppk (private key) and a .pub (public key) pair. The .pub keys are optional - if you use PuTTYgen to open your .ppk, it will show you the public key. You’ll copy and paste the public key into your cloud account / settings / ssh keys.

For example, with a desktop and a laptop, I might have keys named:

denisecase-pc1-bitbucket.ppk
denisecase-pc1-bitbucket.pub
denisecase-lappie1-bitbucket.ppk
denisecase-lappie1-bitbucket.pub
denisecase-pc1-github.ppk
denisecase-pc1-github.pub
denisecase-lappie1-github.ppk
denisecase-lappie1-github.pub
dcase-lappie2-github.ppk
dcase-lappie2-github.pub

This naming convention keeps keys organized.

Create SSH Key Pairs & Add Public Keys To Cloud Accounts

Use Windows start to run PuTTYgen. Follow the instructions from the link below to create private keys that will be stored in your .ssh folder and corresponding public keys to be added to your BitBucket or GitHub accounts.

Make sure your computer is set up for developers and that you can see hidden files [1].

Terms

Trouble Shooting Tips

Next Steps

Optional for advanced users: Upgrade your Windows software automagically.

See Also