Version Control: Using Git

Why Use Version Control?

Version control is important to track changes to code, especially when working collaboratively in a project. Even when working alone, version control is still useful for backing up code and keeping a revision history.

What is Git?

Git is...

  • a distributed version control system.
  • the tool, whereas GitHub is the hosting service that uses Git.
  • commonly used in computer science classes and the industry.
  • the dominant software in the industry.
  • the only supported version control software. Mercurial, CVS, and Subversion are not supported by CSE-IT.

Using the University’s GitHub Server

* PLEASE NOTE UPCOMING CHANGES: The University of Minnesota's GitHub Enterprise (github.umn.edu) will be decommissioned in 2027. OIT has provided information on the Decommission of GitHub Enterprise Server (GHES) page with instructions to help ease transitions. In preparation for this decommission, OIT will be putting github.umn.edu into ARCHIVE (read-only) mode on November 4, 2026, after which time users must be use the github.com website.

The University of Minnesota has its own instance of GitHub Enterprise* - separate from GitHub.com - available to all current students, faculty, and staff at no charge. The enterprise instance offers additional features over a free GitHub account, such as creating a private repository and organizations.

Visit the University's GitHub Instance.

Installing Git

  • Git is already installed on all CSE-IT managed Linux machines.
  • If you need Git on your personal computer, it is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux from the Git-SCM downloads page.
  • If you are using a newer Mac with an Apple Silicon processor, follow the guide for XCode.

Additional Resources