Git Installation & Setup
In This Chapter You Will Learn
- How to Install Git
- Git Setup for Windows
- Verify Git Installation
- Configure Username & Email
- What is Git Bash?
- Create First Git Repository
- Initialize Repository using git init
- Understanding Hidden .git Folder
- Basic Git Commands
- Real Developer Workflow
What is Git Installation?
Before using Git commands, we must install Git software on our computer.
Git provides command-line tools that help developers track and manage project changes.
Git installation allows developers to use Git commands locally on their machine.
Download Git
You can download Git from the official Git website.
https://git-scm.com/
Git Installation Flow
How to Verify Git Installation?
After installation, open Git Bash or terminal and run:
git --version
Example Output
git version 2.45.0
If Git version appears, installation was successful.
What is Git Bash?
Git Bash is a terminal application provided by Git for Windows users.
It allows developers to run Git commands using Linux-style terminal commands.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Git Bash | Run Git commands |
| Terminal | Execute command-line operations |
| Command Prompt | Alternative command tool |
Configure Git Username
Git stores developer information inside commits.
We must configure username and email before creating commits.
git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "yourmail@gmail.com"
Why Git Configuration is Important?
Developer makes changes
↓
Git saves commit
↓
Username & Email stored inside commit history
↓
Team can identify who changed the code
Check Git Configuration
To view configured username and email:
git config --list
Create First Git Repository
A repository is a storage area where Git tracks project files and history.
Create a new project folder and initialize Git.
mkdir MyProject
cd MyProject
git init
Output
Initialized empty Git repository
git init converts a normal folder into a Git repository.
What Happens Internally in git init?
When we run git init, Git creates a hidden folder called .git inside the project.
This folder stores complete Git history, commits, branches, and configurations.
Project Folder
↓
git init command executes
↓
.git hidden folder created
↓
Git starts tracking project
Understanding .git Folder
| Folder/File | Purpose |
|---|---|
| objects | Stores Git data |
| refs | Stores branches |
| HEAD | Current branch pointer |
| config | Git configuration |
Basic Git Workflow
Create Your First Commit
git add .
git commit -m "First Commit"
Explanation
- git add . → Adds files into staging area
- git commit → Saves snapshot permanently
Most Common Beginner Mistakes
| Mistake | Correct Understanding |
|---|---|
| Skipping Git configuration | Username & email are required |
| Running commands outside folder | Navigate into project folder first |
| Confusing Git with GitHub | Git works locally, GitHub works online |
| Forgetting git init | Repository must be initialized |
Real Company Workflow
Developer installs Git
↓
Clones company repository
↓
Creates new feature
↓
Commits changes
↓
Pushes code to GitHub
Most Asked Interview Questions
1. What is git init?
git init initializes a new Git repository.
2. What is Git Bash?
Git Bash is a terminal application used to run Git commands.
3. Why configure username and email?
Git stores developer information inside commits.
4. What is .git folder?
Hidden folder storing Git history and repository data.
5. How to check Git version?
Using git --version command.
Quick Revision Table
| Command | Purpose |
|---|---|
| git --version | Check Git installation |
| git config | Configure developer info |
| git init | Create repository |
| git add . | Add files for commit |
| git commit | Save project snapshot |
Conclusion
In this chapter, we learned Git installation, Git configuration, repository creation, and basic setup workflow.
These concepts are foundational for all future Git operations and professional development workflows.
In the next chapter, we will learn Git Add, Commit, Status, and Log commands deeply with real examples.