How to use GitHub without Terminal or command line?

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How to use GitHub without Terminal or command line?

Step 1: Create Your GitHub Account

Before you can use GitHub without the command line, you need an account on GitHub.com.

Open your web browser and navigate to https://github.com.
Click the “Sign up” button in the top-right corner.
Enter a valid email address, choose a username, create a password, and follow the on-screen prompts.
Verify your email by clicking the link sent to your inbox.

Step 2: Install GitHub Desktop

GitHub Desktop provides a full graphical user interface for Git operations.

Go to https://desktop.github.com.
Click “Download for macOS” or “Download for Windows” depending on your OS.
Run the installer and follow the steps to complete the installation.
Launch GitHub Desktop when installation finishes.

Step 3: Sign In and Configure GitHub Desktop

Connect GitHub Desktop to your GitHub.com account and set up your identity.

In GitHub Desktop, click “File” > “Options” (Windows) or “GitHub Desktop” > “Preferences” (macOS).
Under the “Accounts” tab, click “Sign in” and authorize with your GitHub credentials.
Switch to the “Git” tab and enter your name and email address exactly as you want them to appear in commits.
Click “Save” to apply your settings.

Step 4: Create a New Repository Locally

Start a brand-new project right from GitHub Desktop.

Click “File” > “New repository…”
Fill in the form:
- Name: your-repo-name
- Description: short description of the project (optional)
- Local path: choose a folder on your computer
- Initialize this repository with a README: check if desired
- .gitignore: select a template that matches your project (e.g., Node, Python)
- License: choose one if applicable
Click “Create repository.”

Step 5: View and Edit Files Locally

Open your repository in your code editor or file manager to add or edit files.

In GitHub Desktop, click “Repository” > “Open in Finder” (macOS) or “Open in Explorer” (Windows).
Add new files or folders, or open your editor (e.g., VS Code) and start coding.
For example, create an index.html file with basic content:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <title>My Project</title>
</head>
<body>
  <h1>Hello, GitHub Desktop!</h1>
</body>
</html>

Step 6: Stage and Commit Your Changes

Use GitHub Desktop’s interface to prepare and record your changes.

Switch back to GitHub Desktop. You’ll see your new or modified files under “Changes.”
In the “Summary” field at the bottom left, type a concise commit message (e.g., “Add index.html”).
Optionally add a longer description in the “Description” box.
Click the “Commit to main” button.

Step 7: Publish Your Repository to GitHub.com

Make your local repository available on GitHub.com with a single click.

At the top of the GitHub Desktop window, click the “Publish repository” button.
Choose whether the repo should be public or private.
Verify the name and description, then click “Publish repository.”

Step 8: Clone an Existing Repository without the Command Line

Get a copy of any GitHub.com repository onto your computer.

In GitHub Desktop, click “File” > “Clone repository…”
Select the “GitHub.com” tab to see your repositories, or use the “URL” tab to paste a repository URL.
Choose a local path and click “Clone.”

Step 9: Pull Remote Changes

Keep your local copy in sync with the remote repository.

When you open GitHub Desktop, if there are new changes on GitHub.com you’ll see a “Fetch origin” or “Pull origin” button.
Click the button to download and merge the latest changes into your local branch.

Step 10: Create and Switch Branches Graphically

Experiment with features or fixes without touching your main code.

In GitHub Desktop, click the current branch name (e.g., “main”) at the top center.
Select “New branch…” and enter a branch name (e.g., “feature-login”).
Click “Create branch.” GitHub Desktop will switch to your new branch automatically.

Step 11: Merge a Branch into main

Bring changes from one branch into another without using the command line.

Switch to the branch you want to merge into (e.g., “main”).
Click “Branch” > “Merge into current branch…”
Select the branch you developed (e.g., “feature-login”) and click “Merge feature-login into main.”
Review any conflicts and use the editor to resolve, then commit the merge.

Step 12: Use the GitHub Web Interface to Create or Upload Files

The GitHub website also lets you manage files without a local clone.

Navigate to your repository on GitHub.com.
Click the “Add file” dropdown and choose “Create new file” or “Upload files.”
For “Create new file,” enter a filename and add content:

# README.md
## My Project

This README was created directly on GitHub.com.

Scroll down, enter a commit message, choose the target branch, and click “Commit new file.”
For uploads, drag-and-drop files into the area, then commit.

Step 13: Edit Files and Commit via GitHub.com

You can even make quick fixes in your browser.

Open any file in your repository on GitHub.com.
Click the pencil icon (Edit this file).
Make your changes in the web-based editor.
Scroll down, enter a commit message, choose to commit to the current branch or a new one, then click “Propose changes.”

Step 14: Create a Pull Request on GitHub.com

Use pull requests (PRs) to propose, review, and discuss changes.

After committing to a branch, GitHub.com will show a “Compare & pull request” button—click it.
Fill in the title and description of your PR.
Optionally request reviewers, labels, or projects.
Click “Create pull request.”

Step 15: Review and Merge Pull Requests

Collaborators can review, comment, and merge your PRs via the web.

Go to the “Pull requests” tab in your repository on GitHub.com.
Click a PR to view files changed, comments, and CI checks.
Once approved, click “Merge pull request,” then “Confirm merge.”
Optionally delete the branch after merge by clicking “Delete branch.”

Step 16: Use Visual Studio Code’s GUI for Git (Optional)

If you already use VS Code, its Source Control panel offers another command-line-free workflow.

Open your repository folder in VS Code.
Click the Source Control icon in the Activity Bar (or press Ctrl+Shift+G / Cmd+Shift+G).
Your changed files appear—click the “+” icon to stage each file.
Enter a commit message in the input box, then click the checkmark to commit.
Use the “…” menu to push, pull, create branches, and more.

By following these steps, you can leverage the full power of GitHub without ever touching a terminal or command line. Enjoy version control with a friendly graphical interface!

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How to use GitHub without Terminal or command line?

How to use GitHub without Terminal or command line?

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