Preface

Git is the clear leader in the new paradigm of distributed version control systems. Originally developed by Linus Torvalds as a source control management (SCM) system for the Linux kernel to replace the proprietary SCM BitKeeper, Git has since conquered most of the open source world and is also used by lots of organizations for their private/proprietary projects.

If you are reading this course, you are probably a software developer and a professional. What makes a good professional? Sure, culture and experience are a part of the answer, but there's more: a good professional is one who can master different tools, choose the best tool for the job at hand, and has the necessary discipline to develop good working habits.

Version control is one of the base skills for developers and Git is one of the right tools for the job. However, Git can't be compared to a screwdriver, a simple tool with only a basic function; Git provides a complete toolbox that can help you manage your own code, within which there are also other sharp tools that should be handled with caution.

The aim of this course is to help you to start using Git and its commands in the safest way possible, to get things done without causing any injuries. Having said this, you will not get the most from Git commands if you do not acquire the right habits; just as is the case with other tools, in the end, it is the craftsman who makes all the difference. This course is meticulously designed to help you gain deeper insights into Git's architecture and its underlying concepts, behavior, and best practices.

What this learning path covers

Module 1, Git Essentials, cover all the basic topics of Git, thereby letting you start using it even if you have little or no experience with versioning systems. It starts off with the installation and do your first commit. You will learn how to manage and organize code, remotely work with repositories, and few basic Git commands that will come in handy in difficult situations. If you are familiar with other versioning tools this module will help you migrate to Git without much effort. Finally it ends with few best practices and hints that would develop good habits that every developer should posses.

Module 2, Git Version Control Cookbook, is designed to give you practical recipes for everyday Git usage. The recipes can be used directly or as an inspiration for you. This module will cover the Git data model through practical recipes and in-depth explanations so you get a deeper understanding of the internal workings of Git. The recipes also give you precise step-by-step instructions to various common and uncommon Git operations. The book can help ease your daily work with Git by providing recipes for common issues, useful tips and tricks, and in-depth clarifications of why and how they work.

Module 3, Mastering Git, starts with a quick implementation example of using Git for the collaborative development of a sample project to establish the foundation knowledge of Git's operational tasks and concepts. Furthermore, as you progress through this module, subsequent chapters provide detailed descriptions of the various areas of usage: from the source code archaeology, through managing your own work, to working with other developers. It also covers the advanced branching, merging and collaboration techniques. You will also learn to customize and extend Git, manage subprojects, and take up the administrative side of Git. Version control topics are accompanied by in-detail description of relevant parts of Git architecture and behavior. Finally the module ends with the Git best practicesm which will make you proficient in using Git.

What you need for this learning path

To follow the examples used in this book, and make use of them on Git, you only need a computer and a valid Git installation. Git is available for free on every platform (such as Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X).

Who this learning path is for

This learning path is for software developers who want to become proficient at using the Git version control system. A basic understanding of any version control system would be beneficial. If you have some experience working with command lines, using Linux admin, or just using Unix and want to know more about Git, then this book is ideal for you.

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