Git is a version control system that is used to track and save changes in the software development process. It can be used by developers and programmers to make changes to their codebase, work with other developers and maintain a history of their project.

Git is also valuable to non-programmers as it enables them to review and stay informed about changes in the development process, making it a versatile tool for individuals and teams. This guide is helpful to developers and non-programmers who want to install Git on the Windows operating system.

Prerequisites

• Windows OS.

• Administrator Privileges.

• Basic knowledge of the Command Line.

• Coding Text editor

Installing Git for Windows

Step 1: Download Git for Windows

Go to the official website and download the latest version of Git. When downloading Git, confirming your system’s bit size (32-bit or 63-bit) and selecting the corresponding version for compatibility is essential. Here’s how to determine your system’s bit size and choose the right Git download.

Step 2: Launch the Git Installer

Go to your downloads folder and double-click on the file to launch the installer. After clicking on the Git installer, a popup will appear. Be sure to click ‘Yes’ to proceed with the installation.

Step 3: Go through the GNU General Public License, and click ‘Next’ when you’re ready to install. You’ll be asked to choose an installation location, don’t change the default location unless you need to. Then, click ‘Next’.

Step 4: Don’t change the default selected components, you can add the icon to your desktop if you want to. Click ‘Next’ to proceed.

Step 5: Here, the installer offers to create a start menu folder, just click ‘Next’.

Step 6: Select your preferred text editor by using the drop-down menu and click ‘Next’.

Step 7: In this step, we’ll let Git decide the initial branch name, so we’re sticking with the recommended selection.

Step 8: This step allows the modification of the PATH environment. The PATH is a collection of folders that are added by default when you run a command from the command line. Leave the recommended selection because it provides ease of use for Git commands.

Step 9: Select the ‘Use bundled OpenSSH” and click ‘Next’.

Step 10: Choose the HTTPS Transport Backend, leave the default option which is “Use the OpenSSL library” and click ‘Next’.

Step 11: Leave the default setting for the next few options and click ‘Install’.

Verifying the Git installation

To confirm that Git has been successfully installed on your system, open Git Bash and enter the following command.

git —-version

You should see the Git version if the installation was successfully completed.

Conclusion

Git is an essential tool for collaborative software development and an efficient version control system. Installing and utilizing Git is fundamental to becoming a more productive and efficient developer.

If you’re interested in learning more about the significance of Git, especially in conjunction with platforms like GitHub, here’s an article that will definitely help.