How to Push Code to GitHub from the Terminal?

GitHub is a widely used platform for hosting and collaborating on code. While graphical interfaces like GitHub Desktop or integrated development environments (IDEs) simplify pushing code to GitHub, many developers prefer using the terminal for direct control over their repositories.

In this blog, you will learn how to push code to GitHub from the terminal, from setting up your repository to making your first commit and push.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure the following:

1. Git Installed: Download and install Git from git-scm.com.
2. GitHub Account: Sign up for an account at github.com if you don’t already have one.
3. SSH Key (Optional but Recommended): Set up an SSH key for secure authentication. You can refer to GitHub’s SSH documentation.

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Step 1: Set Up a Local Repository

1. Initialize Git in Your Project Folder

Navigate to your project directory in the terminal:

cd /path/to/your/project

Initialize a Git repository:

git init

This command creates a .git folder in your project directory, which Git uses to track changes.

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Step 2: Create a GitHub Repository

1. Log in to GitHub: Go to GitHub and log in to your account.
2. Create a New Repository:
   • Click the New button (+ icon) or go to Create Repository.
   • Fill in the repository name, description (optional), and visibility settings (public or private).
   • Leave “Initialize this repository with a README” unchecked, as you’re pushing an existing project.
3. Copy the Repository URL: After creating the repository, GitHub will display a URL (HTTPS or SSH). Copy it for later use.

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Step 3: Add a Remote Repository

In the terminal, link your local repository to the GitHub repository:

git remote add origin <repository-url>

Replace <repository-url> with the URL of your GitHub repository. For example:

• HTTPS: git remote add origin https://github.com/username/repository.git
• SSH (if configured): git remote add origin [email protected]:username/repository.git

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Step 4: Stage and Commit Your Code

1. Check the Status: To see which files are tracked by Git and which are not: git status
2. Stage the Files: Add files to the staging area: git add . The . stages all changes in the current directory. Alternatively, specify individual files: git add filename.py
3. Commit the Changes: Create a commit with a descriptive message: git commit -m "Initial commit"

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Step 5: Push to GitHub

To push your changes to the GitHub repository:

git push -u origin main

Explanation:

• -u: Sets origin as the default remote and main as the default branch for future pushes.
• origin: Refers to the remote repository you added earlier.
• main: The branch to which you’re pushing the code. Replace with master or another branch name if applicable.

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Step 6: Verify the Push

1. Visit Your Repository: Go to your GitHub repository URL in a browser.
2. Check the Files: Your files should now appear in the repository.

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Additional Commands and Tips

1. Switching Branches

If you’re working on a branch other than main, switch to it using:

git checkout branch-name

2. Updating the Remote URL

If you need to update the remote URL:

git remote set-url origin <new-repository-url>

3. Pushing Changes After the First Push

For subsequent pushes, you can use:

git push

4. Pull Before Pushing

If your remote repository has updates, pull them first to avoid conflicts:

git pull origin main

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Common Issues and Troubleshooting

1. Authentication Errors:
   • If you encounter errors, ensure your credentials are correct.
   • Use SSH for secure and hassle-free authentication.
2. Rejected Push:
   • If your push is rejected, pull the latest changes from the remote repository and resolve any conflicts: git pull origin main
3. Branch Naming Issues:
   • If your local branch is named master but the remote branch is main, rename your branch: git branch -M main
4. Permission Errors:
   • Ensure you have the necessary permissions for the remote repository, especially for private repositories.

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Conclusion

Pushing code to GitHub from the terminal is a fundamental skill for developers. This guide covered everything from initializing a local repository to successfully pushing code to GitHub. By mastering these steps, you can streamline your workflow and collaborate effectively on projects.

For advanced use cases, consider exploring Git commands like branching, merging, and rebasing. With practice, the terminal will become your go-to tool for version control and repository management.