You might think they are similar, but they couldn’t be more different.
There are a lot of differences between the two, and as someone interested in the software and development world, you’ll want to know those differences.
We’re breaking down Git and GitHub, their features and differences, and why you should master using both of them.
What Is GitHub?
GitHub describes itself as “where the world builds software,” – and that’s pretty spot on.
GitHub is an advanced development platform where people can build and maintain software. It provides Internet hosting using Git, a software that tracks changes within files.
In addition to providing hosting, GitHub also offers many other features for users. You can use GitHub to collaborate on projects, resolve issues, manage source code, and communicate with people worldwide.
With over 83 million developers, GitHub is an excellent resource and sharing platform that’s functional and communicative.
What Is GitHub Used For?
GitHub’s uses fit into six categories: coding, collaboration, developing, automation, security, and community.
As an internet hosting service, GitHub can be used to host all your projects for free with unlimited public and private repositories. A repository is a data structure that stores metadata for a set of files or directory structures.
Since GitHub is a cloud-based service, your team can collaborate easily. GitHub makes it easy to associate conversations with your code so that your team can collaborate seamlessly.
You can use GitHub as a web development environment that lives within the cloud. This makes your dev projects configurable and speedy.
With GitHub Actions, you can automate anything. Enhance your operations, script your entire workflow, automate your recurring projects – whatever you need.
As with all coding and web projects, security is of utmost importance. GitHub allows you to secure your code as you write it by scanning and identifying vulnerabilities before they become problems.
Finally, the aspect that makes GitHub especially unique is the community they’ve created. GitHub Discussions allows coders from all over the world to communicate and collaborate.
Key GitHub Features
GitHub has a lot of awesome features. Here are the top 10:
- GitHub Copilot is an AI-paired programmer. It will suggest entire lines and functions right inside your code editor.
- GitHub Pages allows you to update and manage website pages within GitHub directly. Just make your edits and push them live.
- GitHub Gist will enable you to clone or share Git repositories for you or your community.
- GitHub Issues lets you track ideas, feedback, tasks, or bugs as you work on GitHub.
- GitHub Flow is a workflow program that’s useful for everyone. It lets you work with branches to avoid overriding your default code and branches.
- GitHub File Finder allows you to search for files within any repository. You can even search within multiple repositories at once.
- GitHub CLI is a free and open extension you can use as a command tool that lets you pull requests, issues, and more into your terminal.
- GitHub Emoji enables you to add custom emojis by simply typing in keywords. And, it’s created a key that allows users to have an easy-to-read code with the custom emojis.
- GitHub Codespaces enables users access to super-fast cloud developer environments. Available on both browser and desktop.
- GitHub Students Developer Pack is an education tool that can turn anyone into a GitHub master. Get hands-on experience at a great deal.
What Is Git?
So, as we mentioned, Git is software that tracks changes within files. That means it’s version control software.
Git is especially useful for coordinating work between programmers and coders. When developing source code or software, tracking changes is extremely important. That’s where Git comes in.
Git makes it easy to resolve errors and fix mistakes during development. You can also leave notes about changes to help collaborate amongst your teammates.
What Is Git Used For?
Git is used to track changes. It can be used in all stages of development but is especially helpful during the early stages.
Unlike other version control systems, Git saves snapshots of each saved version. Having these snapshots to reference as your work through your projects is extremely helpful.
Git also allows you to push and pull changes from other developments, which lets multiple developers work on the same project collectively.
Key Git Features
- The Git Feature Branch Workflow allows you to break your developments into branches separate from the main branch. This allows multiple developers to work without disrupting the main codebase.
- Distributed Workflows allow you and your team to work with more flexibility.
- Speed. Git is known for high-speed production and development, even with large repositories.
- Recognized as one of the top version control systems, Git is super reliable. And when paired with GitHub’s security, you can trust them both to keep your projects safe and available.
- Git is economical, as it’s free for everyone to download.
- Git is super compatible. It works with the most common operating systems like Mac, Windows, and Linux.
- Git is open-source software, which means it’s accessible for everyone.
- Since Git allows users to perform operations on projects from anywhere, its nonlinear development feature is ideal for collaboration.
What Is the Difference Between Git and GitHub?
Git and GitHub work together, but they aren’t the same thing.
GitHub is a platform where you can build and maintain software and interact with other developers. Git is the program that GitHub uses to make its platform seamless and functional.
Think of it like this: Git is a tool, and GitHub is a platform that uses Git. They compliment each other and work well to create a fantastic developing experience for programmers and coders all over the world.
Reasons to Learn Git and GitHub
Git and GitHub are used by developers all over the world.
Mastering these programs will help you stand out when applying for jobs and make your technical knowledge more comprehensive. Being an expert with version control systems and development platforms is essential as a programmer or coder.
Learning the ins and outs of Git and GitHub will also help you collaborate. Imagine being able to access a community of developers just like you and being able to share tips, tricks, ideas, and more. That’s what you get with GitHub.
Learning Git and GitHub will make your coding projects so much easier. And, they will make you a better coder with more tools in your pocket.
Learn to Code at Coding Dojo
We’ve got you covered at Coding Dojo if you’re interested in learning how to code.
Or maybe you already know how to code, but you’re looking for a refresher. We’ve got you covered there, too!
Our software development programs will teach you everything you need to know about Version Control systems (like Git) and advanced development platforms (like GitHub).
Choose from online or onsite courses and study full-time or part-time. Depending on your preferred learning style, you can choose between accelerated or flex course options.
Our coding programs are a great way to learn about all things programming, including Git and GitHub.
Git vs GitHub FAQ
If you still have questions about Git vs GitHub, no worries. We’ve answered some frequently asked questions below.
Who Owns GitHub?
Microsoft, one of the world’s top software companies, owns GitHub.
Git is owned by Linux, another major player in the tech world.
What Is GitHub Desktop?
GitHub Desktop is a program where you can use GitHub. Just download it onto your desktop, install the program, and you’re ready to go!
Using the desktop version of GitHub is simple and makes communication and collaboration between you and your team even more straightforward. Whether you’re a Mac or Windows fan, GitHub Desktop is available.
What Is Version Control?
Version Control refers to systems that help manage changes to programs, documents, websites, or other projects or developments. These systems track changes, help with errors, bugs, quality assurance, and more.
By tracking changes and versions, creators can monitor progress and configure developments more accurately. Version Control systems also make collaboration easier and more functional, even with large teams.
Is Git a Programming Language?
No, Git is not a programming language. Programming languages refer to computer languages that enable rules or program elements to convert into strings of code.
Git is software that tracks changes within files.
What Does Git Mean?
Git stands for Global Information Tracker. And, for a worldwide software that tracks changes between files, that’s a pretty accurate name.