Getting Started with Git and GitHub

IBM introduces version control through both local Git commands and GitHub collaboration. Repositories and branches connect with pull requests, merging and a final project. It suits beginners who want to understand the relationship between a local history and a hosted repository before participating in a shared development workflow.

What you will learn

• Create repositories and branches.
• Use Git commands to track project changes.
• Collaborate through pull requests and merges.

Who this suits

Basic computer and IT literacy is required; previous programming experience is not required.

Before you enroll

Practice history changes in a disposable repository before using them in shared work. Distinguish local commits from changes already published to collaborators, especially before rebasing or resetting. Never commit credentials. GitHub interfaces and account limits change, so check current documentation for authentication and automation setup alongside the course examples.

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Put it into practice

Create a disposable repository with two branches and a small pull request, then explain which changes exist locally and which have been published.

Source and review

This overview is based on the provider's published information, checked on 12 October 2026. It is an editorial assessment, not a claim that we completed the resource. Time filters are approximate study ranges; projects and exercises can take longer.

View the curriculum and current access options at Coursera.

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