Introduction to using Git and GitHub for Software Development

Key Information

Tutors: Research Software Engineers from the Research Computing Service 
Course Level: Level 1
Course Credit: 1 credit 
Prerequisites:  Some knowledge of programming. For example, an introductory Graduate School’s programming class (or equivalent). 
Course Duration: 3-hour session
Format:  Live online or live face to face

Course Resources

This course introduces the version control system Git - an essential tool for tracking and managing software development. Working with Git provides the flexibility to freely make changes to your code and the security of knowing that you can always get back to a working state. You will learn to track the changes you made to your code and when you made them using the command line and graphical tools.  

Beyond working on your own code, understanding Git allows usage of online code repositories such as GitHub. Using an online repository to publish your code is a great way to disseminate your research and a necessary step to collaborate with others. This course will demonstrate how to publish code to GitHub and introduce some of its basics features and functionality.  

Material will be delivered as a lecture with tasks. For in-person iterations, workstations will be available so bringing a laptop is not required. However, attendees are encouraged to do so if they wish to apply the materials from this course in an environment relevant to their work.  

Syllabus:

  • Basic Git concepts and terminology  
  • Using Git to track and visualise changes in your code  
  • How to prepare your code for publication  
  • Publishing your code using Github  
  • Using GitHub Issues to manage your to-do list in relation to the software

Learning Outcomes:

 

After completing this workshop, you will be better able to: 

  • Use the version control software Git to record and track changes to a code base
  • Publish your code to a public repository
  • Maintain your code repository up to date and in sync with your local copy
  • Understand how to access support for research computing via the Research Computing Service at Imperial College

Dates & Booking Information

There are no further sessions taking place this academic year. Course dates for 2024-25 will be available to book from late September.

To book your place, please follow the booking process advertised on the main programme page