How to Learn Git for All Your Software Development Needs

In software development, it’s usually best if your whole team is on the same page, regardless of the size and scope of a project. However, due to differing skill levels, physical locations, and time differences, this can be tricky. This is where learning Git can help.

The software system is used to compile code, information, and sets of files. With Git, engineers, developers, and others involved in the software development process can select the code they need and use it to complete projects. 

Below, we’ll go over some of the best Git training options. But first, let’s dig a bit deeper into the history and functions of Git.

What Is Git?

Git is the most popular version control system (VCS) available. Developed by Finnish software engineer Linus Torvalds in 2005, it is now used by software developers the world over. It is completely free and open source, so programmers of every skill level can access the different Git repositories on any operating system. 

Since everything in Git is connected, remote repositories serve as databases, which allow users to modify or create a new branch from the main command line. One of the most impressive parts of Git is its performance ability. Multiple software developers can modify or to the master branch, saving their new Git commands in the staging areas. 

Git has numerous other useful functions which you will see in the course descriptions a little later on.

What Jobs Use Git Skills?

If you commit yourself to learning Git, you can develop skills that are crucial to various software-related jobs. Let’s explore some of the jobs you can land with solid Git skills. 

• Software developer. This is a no-brainer, but software developers are arguably the most frequent Git users. No matter the size of a software team, Git can still be very useful. For example, when working with a large team on a major project, huge amounts of communication and cooperation will be necessary.
  
  

Git commands, remote repositories, and pull requests can all be used to simplify the software development process. This is done by maintaining a set of files with the project’s entire coding history.

• Web developer. As with software development, web development and Git get along swimmingly. Backend developers, in partifulcar, benefit from Git’s ability to monitor the vast number of changes that a set of files in a Git repository may go through. 
  
  

Whether you are developing the next big social media app, creating a gaming mod, or developing the next killer web app, Git is a fantastic resource. 

• Database administrator. Learning Git can help database administrators complete their tasks more easily. Git’s ability to track major and minor changes in code eliminates any confusion. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, database administrators earn a median income of $93,750 per year.
  
  
• Computer network architect. Another occupation that uses Git skills is a computer network architect. This tech job involves maintaining and launching local and wide area networks, known as LANs and WANs, respectively.
  
  

Using Git, network architects can more easily modify sets of files and other crucial aspects of software development. Network architects earn an impressive median income of $112,690 per year.

Steps to Learn Git

There are a few concrete steps you should take if you want to learn Git. If you hope to become a successful software engineer, Git will make your job a whole lot easier. 

1. Learn Some Programming

Unfortunately, you can’t exactly take advantage of all of the benefits of Git without some programming knowledge. You need basic programming skills to effectively communicate with remote Git repositories, operating systems, and sets of files. 

Learning some easy programming languages can prepare you to become a software developer, and help you use the Git tool to your advantage.

2. Install Git

Now it’s time to install Git on your operating system. You will need to get familiar with the interface and the command line. You can install Git for macOS, Linux, Windows, and open source code. There are multiple options and configurations to choose from, so choose the one that works best for your OS.

3. Take Some Git Courses

Receiving Git training online is straightforward. There are tons of great courses out there dealing with Git and software development in general. As you will see, you can learn almost everything about Git from just a few of the top classes. 

4. Sign Into GitHub

GitHub is an open-source community where you can store and locate all of the sets of files you will need to develop effective software. With well over 56 million software developers and 3 million organizations in the community, plus a staggering 100 million remote repositories, GitHub is an invaluable resource. 

5. Practice and Explore

Although Git is not a programming language, it is still a resource that you need practice using. Although you can easily edit, copy, and examine changes in source code, you still need to master the Git command. You will need to know how to carry out functions like Git add, Git init, Git commit, and Git push. 

The Best Courses to Learn Git

Taking online courses is one of the best ways to increase your Git knowledge. There are many fantastic learning options just a click away. Let’s check out some of the most notable ones. 

Git Complete: the Definitive, Step-By-Step Guide to Git

The best-selling Git course on Udemy, this class covers all the basics of Git. Taught by instructor Jason Taylor, this course is the best way to receive comprehensive Git training. The course contains six hours of lectures broken into 14 sections. The first section provides an introduction to Git and how it makes software development easier. 

All you need to succeed in this course is basic computer knowledge, and the ability to install Git on your OS.

Version Control with Git

This class from Coursera and Atlassian is a great primer for Git training. From the start, instructor Steve Byrnes informs students that, while you won’t learn everything there is to know about Git, you will learn enough to have a considerable impact on your software development projects.

This course assumes that students have a basic grasp of command lines, and Byrnes recommends that you get familiar with the basics of version control before starting.

Learn Git

In this course, Codecademy emphasizes the necessity of Git in a software developer’s arsenal, explaining how it can save time and energy. This class teaches you how to save your work when coding.

The syllabus includes lessons, quizzes, and in-depth projects. These projects aim to get users comfortable with saving their code in order to prevent headaches further down the line.

GitHub Ultimate: Master Git and GitHub – Beginner to Expert

Another great course from instructor Jason Taylor, this Git class is a must for any developer looking to streamline their work. Taylor goes into the basics of Git, why you should learn it, and how to master it and apply it to real-world projects. 

Students will engage in Git branching, learn useful Git commands, and perform pulls from the Git repository. This course also focuses on the value of collaboration and sharing files. 

Version Control with Git

Udacity offers this great course to get you started using version control systems. This class will teach beginners everything from basic to advanced Git commands and Git branching.


This free course will take approximately four weeks to complete. It consists of quizzes and high quality lecture content, all created by a Git expert. The class is also self-paced, meaning you can take your time with each unit.

Complete Git Guide: Understand and Master Git and Github

Taught by software development expert Bogdan Stashchuk, this Git and GitHub masterclass will refine your existing knowledge of the program. With over 21 hours and 267 lectures, Stashchuk will guide you through a comprehensive exploration of Git.

He goes beyond the basics, instructing students how to use Git with graphical interfaces and remote repositories, and goes into advanced Git commands. This course isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you are serious about mastering Git, it’s one of the best options.

Git for Teams

In this two-hour course by LinkedIn and Lynda Learning, students will acquire valuable knowledge of how Git is used by software development teams. Since Git is ideal for teamwork and collaboration, this course is a must if you are learning Git for use at a large workplace. 

Instructor Kevin Bowersox covers the best practices for Git, team-building tools, and advanced Git commands. Since the course is for teams, Bowersox emphasizes the collaborative aspects of Git. He also explains how to overcome technical difficulties so that your team can perform to the best of its ability. 

Why Learn Git?

Git is an invaluable tool for coordinating software development, and learning Git can help you land some of the best tech jobs on the market. If you’re looking for an easier way to keep track of your code and collaborate with a team, then learning Git is the way to go.

Learning how to modify and copy Git commands, create new branches, and access the master branch are great ways to hone your software development skills. Choose one or more of the courses above and get started learning.