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A Beginner’s Guide to VCS and Git

Gain essential software engineering skills as you learn how to use Git Version Control Systems to help enhance your workflow.

A man in a pink jumper and glasses is on a computer in an office setting.

Learn how to use Git commands

Git Version Control Systems (VCS) changes your approach to modern software engineering. Using Git, you can easily track the history of file and code changes, deliver new versions of software without relying on any continuous delivery mechanisms, and protect your code from any mistakes made while programming.

On this one-week course, you’ll learn how to use Git and the common commands that you’ll need in your workflow as a software engineer.

You’ll understand how to install Git and use your computer’s terminal or command line to navigate the file system, before learning how to create and edit files.

Delve into the Git workflow techniques

You’ll unpack Git’s branching workflow to understand why it’s such a useful feature, and how to use it in your projects.

With this knowledge, you’ll be able to move onto more advanced Git workflow techniques that will make you a valued contributor and collaborator on any project.

You’ll be able to create your own Git repositories, or clone and contribute to existing ones. This will allow you to track the changes to sets of files over time, recover data you might lose, and collaborate with others on projects.

Delve into version control

You’ll gain an understanding of version control, also known as source control.

With this knowledge, you’ll be able to easily track and manage changes to software code.

Develop key software engineering skills

By the end of the course, you’ll be familiar with using Git to handle large projects easily and make well-crafted contributions to your own or others’ projects.

You’ll have a profound understanding of Git’s branching workflow, and how to use it in the best possible way in your projects.

Skip to 0 minutes and 1 second SPEAKER: Version control victory is possible. You can learn Git and its version control systems in only one week. Software Engineer, Ross Conyers, shares his knowledge and guides you through this beginner’s course in learning VCS and Git. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to easily navigate Git, use branching workflows, and create Git repositories. Get to grips with Git, and learn wherever and whenever you want. Step into your future with a beginner’s guide to VCS and Git from Packt and FutureLearn.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    The fundamentals of Git

    • Introduction to the course

      Welcome to A Beginner’s Guide to VCS and Git and the start of your learning journey, brought to you by Packt.

    • Version control and the terminal

      In this activity, we will discover how to install Git, create, and edit files, and use the terminal to navigate the file system.

    • Learning the basics

      In this activity, we will cover all the commonly used commands in Git.

    • Branches and workflows

      In this activity, we will learn about Git’s branching workflow, why it’s useful and how to use it in projects.

    • Advanced Git workflow

      In this activity, we’ll explore advanced Git workflow techniques to help make you a valued contributor and collaborator on a project. You’ll learn about Git repositories, cloning and how to contribute to existing repositories.

    • Wrap up

      You have reached the end of this course. In this activity, you will reflect on what you have learned.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Demonstrate how to install and use Git.
  • Investigate branching workflows.
  • Create Git repositories.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in software engineering and developing skills in using Git.

What software or tools do you need?

You’ll need to install and configure Git on your Windows or MacOS system. We’ll show you how to do this on the course.

Who developed the course?

Packt

Founded in 2004 in Birmingham, UK, Packt’s mission is to help the world put software to work in new ways, through the delivery of effective learning and information services to IT professionals.

FutureLearn

FutureLearn is a leading social learning platform and has been providing high quality online courses for learners around the world over the last ten years.

What's included?

This is a premium course. These courses are designed for professionals from specific industries looking to learn with a smaller group of like-minded individuals.

  • Unlimited access to this course
  • Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes
  • Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you're eligible
  • Download and print your Certificate of Achievement anytime

Still want to know more? Check out our FAQs

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

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