Learning Git

All source code written for MIT Motorsports will be tracked through Git and hosted on GitHub. Git is a crucial part of making sure we do not lose valuable code, while at the same time being able to collaborate on incremental changes to software.

We must use Git and GitHub in a way that ensures we:

• Keep the full history of all changes to source code
• Maintain checkpoints describing the state of all code running on and off the car
  • Know in which of those states the car functions properly
• Collaborate on code effectively
• Know what needs to be implemented and by when

For these reasons, it is imperative that you set up and familiarize yourself with Git.

Set up

First, you will need to set up Git. If you will be using the Windows Subsystem for Linux, you should stick to using Git through Linux, instead of through Windows. Consider appropriately setting up HTTPS credential storing or SSH keys to speed up your workflow.

Learn

Then, you can spend a bit of your time learning what Git is and how to use it.

1. If you have none to minimal experience with version control software or Git watch this wonderfully short video introduction series.
2. Regardless of experience, read through and bookmark the Git Reference, a short and sweet guide to learning and remembering the most important and commonly used Git commands.
3. Skim and bookmark the Git Cheat Sheet and the Pro Git Book, specifically chapters 1, 2, and 3.
4. Learn how to resolve merge conflicts.
5. You can optionally follow through the Learn Git Branching interactive guide.

Tips

There are numerous Git GUI clients that can aid you in development. Your best picks are GitHub for Desktop and GitKraken. If you are using GitKraken, consider enabling the GitHub Student Developer Pack to get a free Pro account.