What is Git, and why is it important to learn about?

Git is an open-source version control system (VCS) that allows software developers to track changes to code over time, including changes made by multiple users. This capability is important because coding typically requires a lot of trial and error as well as collaboration, and Git simplifies the process of merging changes from different developers, creating branching versions, comparing different versions of a program, and reverting changes when necessary. Git is by far the most popular VCS today, making familiarity with this program an essential skill for careers in software development. Professional developers and software engineers often use GitHub, which is a cloud-based Git repository that helps teams collaborate remotely. Unlike Git, GitHub is not a free, open-source program, but it is so valuable to facilitating distributed software development that Microsoft purchased it for $7.5 billion in 2018.

What kinds of careers can I have with a background in Git?

Because Git is such a widely-used developer tool, a background in its use is assumed knowledge for many programming and IT jobs. Moreover, since development at major tech and software companies is increasingly conducted in parallel by multiple programmers - especially with teams working remotely full-time during the current pandemic - a familiarity with GitHub is also expected for professionals in this field. Indeed, for aspiring developers and software engineers, a GitHub portfolio is an essential part of your resume. Along with mastery of programming skills like Python, skills in working with Git and GitHub can thus be a big part of your gateway to a high-paying job as a software developer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , software developers earned a median annual salary of $107,510 in 2019. Moreover, with jobs in this field projected to grow 22% from 2019 and 2029, this is one of the fastest growing careers today.

Can I learn about Git by taking online courses on Coursera?

Yes, absolutely. Coursera offers a tremendous variety of courses and Specializations for computer science students and mid-career professionals of all levels, and learning online is a great way to hone your skills in Git as well as GitHub. You can learn and even get professional certifications from leading companies like Atlassian and Google, or even the non-profit Linux Foundation. You can also learn about Git and GitHub by completing step-by-step tutorials alongside experienced instructors as part of Coursera’s Project Network.

How do I know if learning Git is right for me?

Learning Git is well suited for developers looking to advance their programming skills and knowledge. It may be right for you if you want to understand the code that's behind a lot of the tools you likely use, learn more about C, which Git is written in, work with a codebase that's functional and minimalist, or work with code that doesn't take a long time to learn, then learning Git is probably a good fit for you.

What skills or experience do I need to already have, before starting to learn Git?

Before starting to learn Git, you should have experience using C and have an understanding of its basic programming concepts. In particular, it'll be helpful for you to understand C header files, C function prototypes, C macros, C struts, and C pointers. As an alternative, having a familiarity with Python or Java may help you have a foundation that will make it easier to learn Git.

What topics can I study that are related to Git?

You can certainly study C, C#, C++, or similar managed or unmanaged languages if you want to learn more about topics related to Git. Bash/UNIX shell scripting is also related to Git, as is GitHub, of course, the internet hosting provider for software and version control that use Git. Additional topics related to Git that you can study include version control, open-source software development, webpage creation, and project management.

What kind of people are best suited for roles in Git?

The kind of people well suited for roles in Git are excited about programming and coding. They have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, including with remote teams. People that are successful in roles in Git are independent thinkers who are curious, and they may need the ability to understand and empathize with customers, depending on their role.

What are the benefits of taking an online Git course?

Online Git courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Git skills. Choose from a wide range of Git courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Git courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Git, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Git Courses - Learn Git Online

Explore the Git Course Catalog

LearnKartS
Git with GitLab and BitBucket
Skills you'll gain: Bitbucket, GitLab, Git (Version Control System), Version Control, Continuous Integration, User Accounts, Cloud Hosting, Code Review, Remote Access Systems
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
LearnKartS
Branching and Merging in Git
Skills you'll gain: Git (Version Control System), Version Control, IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse (Software), Software Configuration Management, Release Management
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IBM
Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD)
Skills you'll gain: CI/CD, Continuous Integration, Jenkins, DevOps, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Continuous Delivery, OpenShift, Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Kubernetes, Docker (Software), Containerization, Application Deployment, Unit Testing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
202 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Manage Your Versions with Git (Part II)
Skills you'll gain: Git (Version Control System), Version Control, GitHub, Bitbucket, GitLab
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
53 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Duke University
Introduction to GitHub Actions
Skills you'll gain: CI/CD, Continuous Deployment, Automation, GitHub, YAML
3.2
Rating, 3.2 out of 5 stars
15 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
KodeKloud
Git for beginners with Hands-on Labs
Skills you'll gain: Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Bitbucket, Version Control, GitLab, DevOps, Continuous Integration, Software Installation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
KodeKloud
Git Basics for DevOps
Skills you'll gain: Version Control, Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Software Configuration Management, DevOps, Software Development Tools, Linux, Open Source Technology
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
13 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Introducción a Git y GitLab
Skills you'll gain: Version Control, GitLab, Continuous Integration, Software Versioning, CI/CD, Git (Version Control System), Software Development Tools
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
19 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
IBM
Developing Front-End Apps with React
Skills you'll gain: React Redux, React.js, Front-End Web Development, JavaScript Frameworks, UI Components, Full-Stack Web Development, Web Applications, Web Development Tools, User Interface (UI), Javascript, Event-Driven Programming, Git (Version Control System), Data Structures
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
629 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IBM
IBM DevOps and Software Engineering
Skills you'll gain: CI/CD, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Istio, Continuous Integration, Software Development Life Cycle, Linux Commands, Agile Software Development, Unit Testing, Cloud Computing Architecture, Application Deployment, Test Driven Development (TDD), Gherkin (Scripting Language), Kubernetes, Jenkins, Bash (Scripting Language), Cloud Services, DevOps, Git (Version Control System), Jupyter, Grafana
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
58K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Packt
Git Essentials for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: Git (Version Control System), Version Control, GitHub, Software Versioning, Software Development Tools, Software Configuration Management, Command-Line Interface, Linux Commands, Mac OS
Beginner · Course · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
IBM Back-End Development
Skills you'll gain: Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Istio, Software Development Life Cycle, Linux Commands, Unit Testing, Application Deployment, Kubernetes, NoSQL, Bash (Scripting Language), MongoDB, Shell Script, Django (Web Framework), Object-Relational Mapping, OpenShift, Git (Version Control System), Cloud Applications, Containerization, GitHub, Jupyter, Grafana
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
47K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months