Git Without the Mystery: A Beginner’s Guide to Git & GitHub

​What if you could experiment with code, use AI tools, and build new projects without worrying about losing your work or breaking what already works?

In this in-person, hands-on workshop, we’ll demystify Git and GitHub by walking through the complete workflow used to manage and collaborate on coding projects.

Together, we’ll create a repository, make changes, save our progress with commits, create a branch, push our work to GitHub, open a pull request, and safely merge the finished work into the main project.

We’ll focus primarily on using Git from the command line so participants can understand what is happening behind the scenes. We’ll also look at how tools such as Codex, GitHub Desktop, and code editors can simplify the same tasks—and how to recognize what those tools are doing on your behalf.

Participants will learn what repositories, commits, branches, pull requests, and merges actually mean; how Git differs from GitHub; how to commit work in progress; and how to recover when something does not go as planned. We’ll also discuss practical habits for reviewing AI-generated changes, writing useful commit messages, and protecting a working project while experimenting with new ideas.

This workshop is especially valuable for people who are new to coding, experimenting with AI-assisted or “vibe coding,” or collaborating on their first software project. You do not need to memorize every Git command or become an expert developer. Instead, you’ll learn a practical, repeatable workflow that helps you work with greater confidence and understand the tools supporting your projects.

By the end, we’ll have completed a full GitHub workflow from creating a branch to merging a pull request and you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to save, organize, share, and protect your work.

Experience level: Beginner-friendly. No previous Git or GitHub experience is required. Basic familiarity with editing files or working on a coding project may be helpful, but it is not necessary.

What to bring: Bringing a laptop is optional. If you would like to follow along with the exercises, you’re encouraged to bring one with Git installed and a free GitHub account. You’re also welcome to attend, watch the demonstration, and take notes.

Free to attend!