Git Basics: A Beginner's Guide

Git concepts (why you shouldn't code without version control)

1. Repository (repo)

think of a repo like a folder that tracks changes. but instead of just dumping files, git actually remembers what you've done (which is more than i can say for you).

example:
```
  git init my-project
  cd my-project
  git status
```
now you have a git repo. congrats, you've done the bare minimum.

2. Commits (saving your screw-ups)

a commit is a snapshot of your code at a certain point in time. every time you commit, git stores what changed so you can undo things when (not if) you mess up.

example:
```
  git add myfile.txt
  git commit -m "fixed a typo (probably added more)"
```
this saves your changes with a message explaining what you think you did.

3. Branches

branches let you experiment without destroying the main code. work on a new feature in a branch, and if it’s not completely awful, merge it back.

example:
```
  git branch new-feature
  git checkout new-feature
```
now you're in a separate timeline where you can break things in peace.

4. Merging

once your feature is "done" (half-baked but you’re tired of it 😫😫😫), you merge it back into the main branch.

example:

  git checkout main
  git merge new-feature

expect conflicts. lots of them.

5. Remote repositories

Git works locally, but to collaborate, you push code to a remote repo like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket.

example:

  git remote add origin https://github.com/your-username/repo.git
  git push -u origin main

Now your bad code is everyone’s problem. 😂😂😂

6. Pull requests ("please review my mess")

before merging, you open a pull request (PR) so others can tell you how bad your code is. once they approve, you merge.

example (on GitHub/GitLab):
1. push your branch:
```
 git push origin new-feature
```
2. go to the repo online and click "Create Pull Request."
3. wait for your team to roast your code in the comments.

7. reverting mistakes (because you will mess up)

undo last commit (but keep changes):
```
  git reset --soft HEAD~1
```
undo last commit (like it never happened):
```
  git reset --hard HEAD~1
```
undo a commit properly (so history isn’t destroyed):
```
  git revert <commit-hash>
```

Summary

git init – start a repo
git add – stage changes
git commit – save changes
git branch – create/switch branches
git merge – merge changes
git push – upload to a remote repo
git pull – get updates
git revert – undo mistakes

Introduction to Git: A Simple Guide for New Users