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🟢 Create a GitHub Account

Sign up for a free GitHub account.

GitHub is a cloud-based hosting service that makes it easier to store, manage, and share evolving code projects. GitHub and Git are widely used in professional software, data, and technology work.

Go to https://github.com/ and create a new account.

WHY? GitHub provides a place to store, share, and recover code projects. It is common in industry, and practicing with GitHub in school builds work-ready, valuable skills. We use GitHub to submit work, collaborate, and keep a history of project changes over time.

Additional steps are below.

Sign up for GitHub

NOTE: School emails may be temporary. You may wish to use a more permanent email address.

  1. Open a browser, such as Safari or Chrome.
  2. Go to https://github.com/
  3. Select Sign up.
  4. Enter your email address.
  5. Create a password.
  6. Pick a username. Your projects will appear under this name or alias.
  7. Verify your email. GitHub will send a verification link.

Set Up Security

GitHub may ask you to set up two-factor authentication.

Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, means that signing in requires both:

  1. Your password.
  2. A short security code or confirmation from another device.

GitHub may offer several 2FA options. Common choices include:

  • Authenticator app - a mobile app that shows a short sign-in code.
  • Text message (SMS) - a code sent to your phone by text message.

An authenticator app is usually the better long-term choice if you already use one. Common authenticator apps include Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator.

  1. Choose an available 2FA method.
  2. Follow GitHub's instructions to enter or confirm the code.
  3. If GitHub shows recovery codes, download or save them somewhere safe.

Recovery codes are important. They can help you get back into your account if you lose access to your phone or authenticator app.

Google Authenticator app icon

Microsoft Authenticator app icon