Version control

Git

A tool that records versions of files in a local repository.

What it is for

Use it to inspect changes and return to earlier versions. Git works locally; GitHub is an online service that can host a copy.

Use Git’s official installation instructions for your operating system. On Windows, install Git for Windows and then reopen your terminal.

Open a PowerShell tab in your project folder. Git itself is usually used through commands or your editor’s source-control view.

Where · PowerShell

At the PowerShell prompt. Type the command, then press Enter. Tool guide

Check that Git is available.

git --version

What you should see: A Git version is printed.

Where · PowerShell

At the PowerShell prompt. Type the command, then press Enter. Tool guide

In an existing practice repository’s folder, inspect changes without modifying files.

git status

What you should see: Git lists the branch and changed files, or says the working tree is clean.

Not a git repository: open the repository folder. Do not initialise a new repository blindly to fix the message.
A GitHub sign-in is not needed for git status. Remote operations may require authentication.

Some use it only for optional local practice. Each lesson explains what you actually need.

JavaScript · 36 lessons

C# · 61 lessons

Java · 41 lessons

React · 31 lessons

HTML · 16 lessons

CSS · 21 lessons

Guide reviewed 2026-09-09. Menu labels can differ between versions.