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

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