The ultimate step-by-step guide to uploading your first work to GitHub

Have you ever wondered How to upload your first project to GitHubDon't worry, you're not alone. Many developers and hobbyists feel a little lost the first time they try to share their work on this platform. But the good news is that the process is simpler than it seems, and with a detailed guide, you'll be able to master every step in no time.

In this article you will find a fully detailed tour, with clear explanations, real examples and useful tips so you can upload your first work to GitHub as a professional, even if you are still taking your first steps in the world of programming or even if your thing is sharing poetry or any other creative project.

What is GitHub and why should you upload your projects?

GitHub is the platform par excellence for hosting and sharing code projects., although you can also find everything from literature to personal projects of any kind. It uses a system called version control which allows you to save the history of all the changes you make to your files. This offers advantages such as Protect your work from loss, collaborate with other users, and showcase your progress to potential employers or colleagues..

By uploading your files to GitHub, you are not only creating a cloud backup, but you also benefit from Powerful collaboration, bug tracking, and documentation tools. In addition, your repository can be public or private, depending on whether you want to share it openly or keep it just for yourself or your team.

Getting started: creating your account and repository

To get started, you need a GitHub account. Just go to github.com and register for free. Once inside, you'll have access to your dashboard where you can manage all your repositories and projects.

The next step is create a new repository, which is where your work files will be stored. Click the "New repository" button (you'll find it in the top right corner of almost any page). Here it's important to choose a significant name for your project and, if you want, add a short descriptionFor example, you could put “my-first-project” and something like “This is my first project on GitHub.”

You can decide if your repository will be public or privateThe public option allows you to share your work with the community, while the private option keeps it just for you. Don't forget to activate the add a README file If you want to include a project presentation from the beginning, although this is optional and can be done later.

What is the README file and what is it used for?

The file README.md is presentation letter of your project on GitHub. This is usually the first thing visitors will see, so it's a great opportunity to explain what the project is about, its features, how to install it, or any other relevant information.

This file is usually written in Markdown, a simple formatting language that lets you highlight titles, lists, links, and more without complicating your life. GitHub offers a preview so you can see in real time how it's turning out and you can edit it as many times as you want until you're satisfied with the result.

How to upload files to your repository from the browser

One of the most direct ways to upload your work to GitHub is by using the web interface. If you just created the repository, you'll see the option to Add files at the top right of the repository page. Click on it and select 'Upload Files.' Now, simply drag and drop files or folders from your computer to the designated area on GitHub.

When you upload your files, you can add an explanatory message in the "Confirm Changes" section to make it clear what you're adding. Make sure the "Confirm Changes" option is selected. Commit directly to the main branch is selected and click on confirm changes.

And that's it! You now have your files in the cloud and organized within your GitHub repository. This method is ideal for small projects or for those who prefer to avoid the terminal.

Upload your project to GitHub using the terminal and Git

If you're already experienced with a terminal, this option gives you greater control and is the foundation for most professional workflows. Below, I'll explain the basic steps for uploading a local project to a GitHub repository:

• Go to the folder where your project files are located using the terminal.
• Initialize the repository by running go initThis will create a hidden folder called .git that Git will use to track changes.
• Add all files with git add.This command will tell Git to include all new or modified files in the next commit.
• Make your first commit with git commit -m “First commit”. Here you can enter any message you want to identify this point in history.
• Link your local repository to the remote one on GitHub. To do this, copy the URL of your GitHub repository and run git remote add origin https://github.com/TU_USER/NOMBRE_REPOSITORIO.git.
• Finally, upload the files with git push -u origin main (or master, if that's what your main branch is called).

Note that the last word of the command may vary depending on the name of the main branch of your repository (main o master). Additionally, GitHub may ask you to authenticate by entering your credentials or using an access token if you have enabled the two step authentication.

How to manage changes and updates in your repository?

Once your project is on GitHub, you can continue uploading files or modifying existing ones, both from the web and from the terminal. Every time you make a major change, make a new commit with a clear message to explain the reason. This helps maintain a ordered history and be able to go back if any problem arises.

It is also advisable to work with different branches If you want to experiment with new features without affecting the main project, you can create a new branch for your tests and, once everything is working correctly, merge the changes into the main branch.

Share your repository using the URL is another useful option, as other people will be able to view, suggest changes, or collaborate with you. If you choose a repository public, your GitHub profile will showcase your projects and skills.

Tips and tricks for optimizing project uploads to GitHub

Working with GitHub doesn't have to be complicated.Here are some additional tips to make your experience easier:

• Commit frequently to save each progress and avoid loss of information.
• Use descriptive messages in each commit to facilitate tracking.
• Always include a complete README file that clearly explains your project.
• Take advantage of GitHub's issues and wiki to document problems, ideas and future developments.

If you prefer not to work from the terminal, you can also use GitHub Desktops, the official app that simplifies the entire graphical process for uploading, committing, and managing changes to your repositories.

Common mistakes when uploading your first work and how to avoid them

Many people encounter obstacles at first. Some of the most common are:

• Not initializing the local repository correctly before linking it to the remote.
• Confusing the name of the main branch (main vs master) in the push command.
• Not adding all the necessary files in the first commit (use git add . to include them all).
• Forget the .gitignore file, which serves to exclude Temporary files or folders you don't want to share.

If you get stuck, remember that GitHub has a extensive documentation and an international community where you can resolve any questions. Explore tutorials, forums, or official help to solve problems.

The importance of version control and collaboration

One of the great benefits of GitHub is that it allows record every change made to your project. Thanks to version control, you have a kind of 'time machine' for your code or files. Plus, if you collaborate with others, you can work in parallel and easily merge your contributions, reviewing who made each change and when.

You don't need to be an expert to start taking advantage of these benefits. When you upload your first project and start using branches and commits, you'll understand why it's such a universal tool among developers and creators.

When to use the web interface and when to use the terminal?

La web interface It is very useful for beginners, to upload some files or update documentation quickly. However, the terminal It is preferable when the project grows, you need to automate processes or collaborate as a team.

My recommendation is to familiarize yourself with both methods. Start with the web if it's easier for you, then try the terminal to take full advantage of Git and GitHub.

Security, privacy and final tips

If you are concerned about privacy of your files, remember that you can choose a private repository when creating it. This way, only you or the people you authorize will be able to access it. If you want to share your project with the community and leave a trace, choose public mode.

Finally, take the time to make your repository complete: include a Detailed README, an appropriate license (such as MIT or GPL), organizes folders and maintains a clean historyThese details will make your profile stand out and your projects more attractive to visitors and collaborators.

Getting started with GitHub is easy, and mastering its use will allow you to manage your projects with greater security, organization, and collaboration. Get started today, upload that first project, and share your ideas with the global technology community.