Learn What Is GitHub: Explore Its Uses and Features

GitHub is a cloud-based service that makes coding easier by providing tools for version control, which helps track changes in code and enables collaboration. It allows multiple people to work on the same project. They can review each other’s changes and merge updates smoothly. This helps teams stay organised and build better software.

Understanding what is GitHub is essential for individuals working in web development as it is mainly used by developers, which helps them store, share, and work on code. Additionally, companies and individuals also use it to manage projects. With GitHub, teams can track changes and fix errors. It also improves their work without losing any critical information.

In this article, we will discuss the uses, features, and benefits of GitHub in the web development process. 

What is GitHub?

GitHub is an online platform that helps developers store, manage, and share their code. It acts as a digital workspace where programmers can collaborate on projects. With this cloud-based tool, they can track changes and organise their work efficiently.

To understand what GitHub is, one must know it is built around Git, a version control tool that allows developers to save different versions of their work. This means they can revisit earlier changes, track progress, and restore previous versions if needed.

One of GitHub’s key features is its collaborative nature. Developers can suggest improvements, discuss changes, and fix errors within the platform. This makes teamwork easier, as all contributions and discussions happen in one place, ensuring a smoother and more organised workflow.

Explore What Is Express JS Here

What is GitHub Used For?

GitHub is a platform used to build and improve software and create static websites. It helps teams work on the same code without losing previous versions. Many use it for software development, as it makes it easier to review code and manage tasks. It is also helpful in easily discussing updates with other developers.

Here are some major uses to answer the question what is GitHub used for:

• Review Code: Developers can review, suggest improvements, and track changes in code.
• Manage Tasks: Teams can organise tasks, track progress, and streamline workflows.
• Discuss Updates: Developers can communicate and collaborate on code changes in real-time.
• Collaboration: Multiple people can work on the same project without conflicts.
• Practice Coding: Students and beginners use GitHub to learn and improve coding skills.
• Knowledge Sharing: Open-source contributors share projects, making resources accessible to others.

Benefits and Features of GitHub

When learning what is GitHub, it is important to consider its advantages. GitHub makes the development process easier as it allows teams to collaborate. Apart from coding, GitHub is useful for documentation, issue tracking, and project planning. Below are the benefits and features of GitHub that make it a valuable tool for developers, businesses, and open-source contributors.

Features:

1. Repositories

A repository (or repo) is where project files, code, and documents are stored. It helps keep everything organised in one place.

2. Branches

Branches allow developers to work on different versions of a project without affecting the main code. Changes can later be merged once they are finalised.

3. Pull Requests (PRs)

Pull requests help developers suggest changes, review code, and discuss improvements before updating the main project. It ensures better code quality.

4. Issues and Bug Tracking

As we understand what is GitHub, we learn that it provides issue-tracking tools to report bugs, request features, and discuss problems. This helps developers manage and fix errors efficiently.

5. GitHub Actions

This feature automates tasks like testing code, deploying applications, and running workflows, making development faster and more efficient.

6. Wiki and Documentation

GitHub allows users to create detailed documentation for their projects. This helps teams and users understand how the project works.

7. Code Hosting

GitHub provides cloud-based hosting for code repositories, making them accessible from anywhere. It supports both public and private repositories based on user needs.

Benefits:

1. Easy Collaboration

GitHub makes teamwork simple by allowing multiple developers to work on the same project. It provides tools such as branches, pull requests, and discussions to help teams share and improve code without confusion.

2. Version Control

Developers can track changes in their code and compare previous versions. They can also restore older versions if needed. This helps manage updates and avoid accidental errors.

3. Project Management

As we explore what is GitHub, we find that it offers features such as task boards, issue tracking, and milestones that help in project management. Teams can assign tasks, set deadlines, and monitor progress efficiently.

4. Enhanced Security

GitHub provides security tools such as code scanning and dependency tracking. These tools help identify vulnerabilities in projects and protect code from unauthorised access.

5. Backup and Reliability

Since GitHub stores code in the cloud, users do not have to worry about losing important files. It ensures that projects are accessible from anywhere, reducing the risk of data loss.

6. Integration with Other Tools

While understanding what is GitHub, we find that it works with many third-party tools, such as CI/CD pipelines, testing frameworks, and project management software. This makes it easier to automate workflows and improve productivity.

7. Community Support

GitHub has a large community of developers who share open-source projects. They often contribute to improvements and provide support. Users can learn from others, collaborate, and solve coding challenges together.

Read on to Discover the Top Full-Stack Web Frameworks and Why They Are Important Here

Differences Between Git and GitHub

Git and GitHub are essential tools for developers working with code. As we explore what is GitHub, we understand that it is an online platform that helps teams collaborate, manage projects, and store code. Git, on the other hand, is a version control system that tracks changes in code. Both are widely used in software development to streamline teamwork and improve efficiency.

The table below highlights the major differences between Git and GitHub:

Aspect	Git	GitHub
Definition	Git is a distributed version control system that helps developers track changes in code and manage different versions of a project.	GitHub is a cloud-based platform that hosts Git repositories, as well as additional collaboration and project management tools.
Usage	Git operates locally on a computer, allowing users to manage version control without requiring an internet connection.	GitHub requires an internet connection as it hosts Git repositories remotely and provides features for team collaboration.
Collaboration	Git allows developers to create branches, merge changes, and collaborate with team members locally.	GitHub enhances collaboration by offering features such as pull requests, issue tracking, and discussions, making it easier for remote teams to work together.
Cost	Git is open-source software and is completely free to use.	GitHub offers free access to basic features, but advanced functionalities such as private repositories, enterprise solutions, and additional security tools require a paid subscription.

How To Use GitHub?

While understanding what is GitHub, it is important to deeply understand the process to use it. Learning to use GitHub allows users to contribute to projects, track changes, and work efficiently with teams. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, understanding its key functions can make coding and project management easier.

The following steps explain how to use GitHub, from setting up an account to collaborating on projects:

1. Set Up an Account

To begin using GitHub, visit its website and sign up with an email address. After creating an account, users can set up a profile, adjust privacy settings, and personalise their workspace.

2. Create a Repository

A repository (repo) is a storage space where code and project files are saved. Users can create a new repository, choose a visibility setting (public or private), and add a README file to describe the project. 

3. Create a Branch

A branch in GitHub is a separate version of a repository that allows users to work on changes without affecting the main project. It helps developers test features or fixes before merging them into the main branch through a pull request.

4. Clone Repositories

Cloning a repository means downloading a copy to a local computer. This allows users to work offline and make changes before updating the project online. It is useful for both personal and team projects.

5. Committ and Push Changes

After making edits to files, changes must be saved using a commit. Each commit includes a message describing the update. Pushing sends these changes from the local computer to GitHub, ensuring the online repository stays up to date.

6. Collaborate with Pull Requests

Pull requests (PRs) let team members review and discuss code changes before merging them into the main project. This helps maintain code quality and allows developers to work together smoothly. 

Learn What Does a Back-End Developer Do Here

Who Uses GitHub?

GitHub is widely used by individuals and organisations for managing and sharing code. It helps teams collaborate, track changes, and improve projects efficiently. As we understand what is GitHub, it is a platform that supports collaboration and code management for various users. It plays a significant role in innovation and teamwork. Here are some individuals and organisations that use GitHub:

• Product Development Companies use GitHub to manage software projects and streamline workflows.
• Hardware Companies use it for open-source hardware development and documentation.
• Students use GitHub to learn coding, work on assignments, and build projects.
• Researchers use it to share data, collaborate on studies, and track project progress.
• Developers use GitHub to contribute to open-source projects and improve coding skills.
• Tech Companies use it for version control, software development, and team collaboration.

Learn Full Stack Web & Software Development with Digital Regenesys

The Full Stack Web & Software Development Course at Digital Regenesys is a 36-week online course designed to build strong foundations in front-end and back-end development. This course helps learners gain practical experience with essential web technologies and version control systems such as Git, and collaboration platforms such as GitHub. By enrolling in this course, you will also learn what is GitHub and how to use it effectively for version control and team collaboration.

Highlights of the Course:

• In-depth Curriculum: Covers front-end and back-end development, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React.js, Express.js, and MongoDB.
• Experimental Training: Practical exercises and real-world projects to help learners apply their skills.
• Web Security Essentials: Covers security best practices, SSL/HTTPS, and threat prevention strategies.
• Global Recognition: Provides Digital Regenesys’s globally recognised certificate upon successful completion.
• Industry-Relevant Tools: Gain expertise in Node.js, Express.js, React.js, MongoDB, and GitHub Pages.

In conclusion, GitHub is a cloud-based platform that helps developers store, manage, and collaborate on code. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, learning what is GitHub can improve your coding skills and make teamwork easier. It includes tools such as version control, repositories, and collaboration features to support software development. By using GitHub, you can contribute to open-source projects, build your portfolio, and work efficiently with others. 

Enrol in the Digital Regenesys Full Stack Web & Software Development course and start exploring GitHub today. 

What is GitHub? – FAQs