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
- OIT has additional information regarding installation, configuration, and usage of Git and the University GitHub Enterprise instance.
- The Git-SCM project website has a complete reference manual, including a cheat sheet.