FAQ on Git & GitHub

1. Do I need to know Git before using GitHub?

Yes, at least the basics. Git is the core tool for version control. GitHub is a platform built on top of Git. You’ll use Git commands to interact with GitHub repositories.

2. Is GitHub free to use?

Yes. GitHub offers a free plan that supports unlimited public and private repositories, unlimited collaborators, and limited GitHub Actions minutes (2,000/month for private repos). Paid plans offer more features.

3. What is the difference between main and master branch?

They are functionally the same. master was the default branch name earlier; GitHub now uses main as the default to promote more inclusive language.

4. Can I use GitHub without the command line?

Yes! GitHub offers:

• GitHub Desktop (GUI for Windows/macOS)
• GitHub web interface (create/edit files, manage repos)
• GitHub CLI (for terminal lovers)

5. What happens when I fork a repository?

A fork creates a copy of someone else’s repository in your GitHub account. You can experiment, modify, and later propose changes to the original repo using a pull request.

6. What is a .gitignore file?

A .gitignore file tells Git which files or folders not to track (e.g., node_modules/, env/, or *.log files). It helps keep your repo clean and avoids pushing sensitive or unnecessary files.

7. How can I undo a Git mistake?

There are many ways:

• git reset to undo commits or staging
• git checkout to discard changes
• git revert to undo a commit safely
  Always use git status to see what’s going on.

8. What are GitHub Gists?

Gists are mini GitHub repositories for sharing code snippets, notes, or small scripts. Each Gist is a Git repo — public or private.

9. How do I share my GitHub portfolio with recruiters?

• Make sure your profile is clean and organized.
• Pin your best repositories.
• Add READMEs, descriptions, and live demo links.
• Use a professional username and profile photo.

10. Can I use GitHub for non-code projects?

Absolutely. Writers, designers, data analysts, and researchers use GitHub for managing:

• Markdown notes
• Documentation
• Design systems
• Data science notebooks

Anything that benefits from version control can live on GitHub.