getting started with GitHub

scrapsmac

Hi folks,

I've recently commenced an MSc in Software Development (thoroughly enjoying it so far).

We are primarily learning java but I am keen to get involved with GitHub / start developing a presence for when interviews roll around next year.

Any advice on how somebody with minimal java experience (literally only a few weeks in) can get involved?

ED E

The big thing for graduates that often work purely solo or only as a team for short stints is collaboration.

Setup a repo, get your classmates to contribute. Do simple things and try to add features without breaking other features / learn to fix them when you do. That way your git knowledge will be useful git knowledge.

Later you can contribute to real projects and being fluid with the git CLI will stand to you then.

PrzemoF

Open an account on github, find a repository written in java (or anything that you like) that looks interesting for you, fork it, start messing with the code (try to fix a simple bug, add a simple new feature or just try to change something and check if it works as expected). If you write something useful (bug fix/new feature) send a pull request to the original repository.

Learn how to work with git from command line - it's a "must have" in my opinion and it's not that hard once you understand how git works.

scrapsmac

Thanks for the advice guys.

I've started playing about with GitHub. I want to include a link to my GitHub on my CV for upcoming roles however I'm aware that it might look a bit sparse.

Is it still better to include it anyway?

Fenster

scrapsmac wrote: »

Thanks for the advice guys.

I've started playing about with GitHub. I want to include a link to my GitHub on my CV for upcoming roles however I'm aware that it might look a bit sparse.

Is it still better to include it anyway?

Absolutely. It's a point of reference for my code skills and works to date. My GitHub work landed me my current job, and was discussed at length in every job interview to date.

In my last interview (for example), the interviewer picked out one of my projects, and asked me to defend some of choices at length, and in quite some depth. Why this over that?

funkey_monkey

I was advised to get a book called Learn Git in a month of Lunches (http://www.ebook777.com/learn-git-month-lunches/) and I've found it really good. You download a repository from the authors website and it takes you through many steps with good explanations along the way.

It should get you a nice bit down the road.

L.Jenkins

What I love about git is, you have a great choice of GUIs or you can use the Command Line. Me being me, I prefer the Command Line, which I find handier to use.

maccored

http://www.theodinproject.com/courses/web-development-101/lessons/git-basics?ref=lnav