GitHub is a code hosting platform for collaboration and version control. Y'all can piece of work on lawmaking with anyone from anywhere. It'due south likewise a platform for the globe'due south largest developer community.

GitHub provides many features like like shooting fish in a barrel project management with repositories, constructive team direction using tools like pull requests and issues, easy lawmaking hosting, and more. Let's examine these methods further equally we take a look at how to clone a repository using Git Bash.

What Is a GitHub Repository?

A repository is a storage infinite where all files of a project reside. It'south also commonly known as a "repo."  A GitHub repository is a remote repository where yous can shop all of your projection'southward files and each file's revision history. You tin store whatsoever type of folder or file like images, HTML files, .css files, .py files, CSV files, excel files, JSON files, etc.

Y'all can create a GitHub repository as Public or Private. By creating a repository as public, anyone on the net tin can see that repository. Yous go to choose who can commit and make changes to that repository, though. Conversely, by creating a repository as Private, y'all accept full control over who can meet and make changes to that repository.

Github initializes a repository with a README file, a .gitignore file, and a license file.

A README file lets you lot write a complete description of your projection and include any necessary instructions. A .gitignore file contains the name of the files you lot don't want to button to GitHub. Whereas a license tells others what they can and can't do with your code.

What Does Cloning a Repository Mean?

Cloning a repository means creating a local re-create of your GitHub repository. By creating a local copy you lot can hands add together or remove files, set merge conflicts, and tin can commit easily. Working on a local copy of the repository provides more flexibility to the users. Y'all tin can brand changes and experiment with the repository safely.

Once you clone a GitHub repository, a full local copy is created along with all versions of every file and binder for the project. Yous tin even clone another person'southward existing repository to contribute to a projection. Subsequently making changes to the repository, y'all can hands push it to the remote repository on GitHub using Git Fustigate.

Cheque if Git and Git Bash Is Installed on Your System

Make sure that y'all accept Git and Git Bash installed on your system. You lot can check if Git is installed on your organisation by typing the following command into the Control Prompt:

          git            --version
Check Git version through Command Prompt

The control prompt will display the installed version of Git. To check if Git Bash is installed on your system, printing the windows button and search Git bash.

Git Bash search on windows

If neither of them are available, follow the correct steps to successfully install Git and Git Bash on your system.

Creating a GitHub Repository

You tin create a GitHub repository by following these steps:

one. Become to the official GitHub website.

2. Click the Plus icon from the height correct corner and selectNew repository.

GitHub new repository button

3. A new folio will be opened where y'all'll have to make full in some details to create a new repository. Enter a short and memorable proper noun for your repo. GitHub also motorcar-suggests repository names to employ for inspiration.

Create a new github repository

4. If you want, you can provide a short clarification of your project in the description box. This footstep is completely optional.

5. Select the repository visibility every bit Private or Public according to how y'all want others to run across your repository.

GitHub Repository Visibility and License

vi. You tin can initialize the repository with a README file, a .gitignore file, and a license. According to GitHub, "Y'all tin can add a README file to your repository to tell other people why your project is useful, what they can do with your project, and how they tin employ it."

You can choose a .gitignore file from a list of bachelor templates. Similarly, y'all can choose a license from the list of available licenses. Adding all these files increases the credibility of the repository.

7. Finally hit the Create Repository push to create a new repository.

Cloning a GitHub Repository Using Git Bash

1. Navigate to the repository you want to clone. You can use this sample repository to try cloning for the offset fourth dimension.

Github repository homepage

two. Click on the Download Code button.

Download Code Button

iii. A box will open up when you will click the Download Code button. Click on the Copy to clipboard icon to re-create the repository URL through the HTTPS method.

Copy to clipboard button github repository

iv. Open Git Bash.

Git bash

5. Become to the directory where you want to clone the repository using the cd control.

Git bash move to destination directory

six. Enter the following command and replace the [REPO URL] with the link that you copied earlier.

          git            clone            [REPO URL]

For example, to clone the sample repository that we used before, type the following control:

          git            clone            https://github.com/Yuvrajchandra/sample-github-repository.git

7. Press enter to accept a local copy of the repository on your organisation.

Git bash clone repository command

Other Ways to Download a GitHub Repository

You lot can also opt for other methods to download a GitHub repository, such every bit using the GitHub Desktop to clone a repository. GitHub Desktop is an app for Mac and PC users that takes version command from the command line to the desktop. It was created by GitHub to simplify version control.

You tin can perform all of the same tasks like cloning, deleting, updating, and saving a repo with GitHub Desktop that you can practise with Git Bash. Git Bash has a steep learning bend but it is more than powerful than GitHub Desktop.

Another simple method to download a GitHub repository is to directly download the Nil file of the repo. You can follow these uncomplicated steps to download a Nada file of the repository:

  1. Go to the repository that y'all want to download. You can utilise this sample repository to attempt downloading the ZIP file of the repo for the first time.
  2. Click on the Download Code button and then click the Download ZIP option. The repository will exist downloaded to your system within a few seconds.
Download ZIP of GitHub repository

Become a Pro-Coder Using GitHub

GitHub provides a platform to share your code with others, create awesome projects, earn badges, and exercise much more. You tin can get started by creating your first repository on GitHub.

If yous are an experienced programmer, you can contribute to open up-source GitHub repositories. Utilize the features of this platform to increment your coding skills and become recognized in the programming community.