Beginner's Guide to Using GitHub

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Published date:21/6/2026 Update:15/8/2026 Views:135 Reviews: 5.0/555reviews

GitHub is currently a very popular source code and technical documentation hosting platform. In addition to managing code, GitHub can also be used to write guides, share projects, store system configurations, create static websites, and build technical profiles for individuals or businesses.

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In this article, VPTS will guide you through using GitHub from basics to practical application, including web interface operations, installing Git on your computer, initializing repositories, committing source code, and pushing projects to GitHub.

1. What is GitHub?

In simple terms:

Git is a version control tool.
GitHub is where Git projects are hosted on the internet.
A repository is a storage space for code or documentation.
A commit is a saved snapshot of changes.
A branch is a separate working branch.
A Pull Request is a request to merge changes into the main project.

2. What Is GitHub Used For?

GitHub can be used for many different purposes, not just for programmers.

Common applications:

Store website source code, software, tools, and scripts.
Write service user guide documentation.
Manage project change history.
Collaborate in teams on the same project.
Publicly showcase products, services, or open-source projects.
Create a free website using GitHub Pages.
Enhance technical credibility for individuals or businesses.

3. How to create a GitHub account

Step 1: Create a GitHub account

To start using GitHub, visit: https://github.com

Then select Sign up to register an account; you need to prepare:

Email
Account name
Password
Email verification

After completing registration, you can start creating your first repository.

Step 2: Create a new repository

Steps to create a repository on GitHub:

Log in to GitHub.
Click the New repository button.
Enter repository name.
Select Public or Private.
Check "Add a README file" if you want to pre-create an introduction file.
Click Create repository.

In which:

Public: Anyone can view.
Private: Viewable only by authorized users.

If using GitHub to publish service documentation, technical guides, or public projects, choose Public.

Step 3: View repository interface

After creation is complete, you will see the main repository interface.

A repository usually contains the following parts:

Code: where main files are stored.
Issues: where bugs, requests, or tasks to do are logged.
Pull requests: A place to propose code changes.
Actions: used for automation.
Settings: repository settings.

For beginners, you only need to focus on the Code section first.

Step 4: Edit README.md file

README.md is the main introduction file of the repository. When others open the repo, the README content will be displayed first.

To edit the README:

Click on the README.md file.
Click the pencil icon to edit.
Enter introductory content.
Scroll down.
Click Commit changes to save.

Sample README content:

# GitHub User Guide

This repository is used to store GitHub documentation and guides for beginners.

## Main Content

Create GitHub account
Create a new repository
Edit README
Upload file
Create a new file
Use Git on your computer

Step 5: Create a new file on GitHub

You can create files directly on GitHub without using a computer.

Instructions:

Go to repository.
Click Add file.
Select Create new file.
Enter file name.
Enter file content.
Click Commit new file.

Sample file name:

huong-dan-github.md

cai-dat-git.md

ghi-chu-du-an.txt

When writing documentation, use the .md extension for better rendering on GitHub.

Step 6: Upload files to GitHub

If you already have the file on your computer, you can upload it to the repository.

Instructions:

Go to repository.
Click Add file.
Select Upload files.
Drag and drop files from your computer.
Enter change description.
Click Commit changes.

You can upload:

File code
Image file
Document file
Configuration file
Guide file

Step 7: Manage revision history

Every time you edit a file and click Commit changes, GitHub saves a change milestone.

Commits help you know:

Who modified the file
When to fix
How content has changed

Thanks to this, you can track the project's development history more easily.

4. Using GitHub with Git on computer

Step 1: Install Git on your computer

Visit https://git-scm.com to download and install Git for your operating system.
Git is a tool that helps computers connect and work with GitHub.

After finishing Git installation, open:

Git Bash if using Windows
Terminal if using macOS or Linux

Then configure Git information:

git config --global user.name "Tên của bạn"
git config --global user.email "[email protected]"

This command helps Git know the committer's information.

Step 2: Initialize Git in the project directory

Navigate to the project directory: cd path-to-project-directory

Initialize Git: git init

The git init command will turn the current directory into a Git repository on your computer.

Step 3: Add and commit source code

Once the file is in the project folder, use the command:

git add
git commit -m "Initial commit"

git add: add all changed files.

git commit -m "Initial commit": save the first change milestone.

Step 4: Connect to repository on GitHub

Go back to GitHub, copy the HTTPS URL of the newly created repo, and run the following command:

git remote add origin https://github.com/ten-cua-ban/ten-repo.git
git push -u origin master

Thay:

ten-tai-khoan with your GitHub username.

ten-repository with the name of the repository you created.

Step 5: Push code from computer to GitHub

Use the following command to push code to GitHub:

git branch -M main
git push -u origin main

After running finishes, open the repository on GitHub and refresh the page. You will see that the source code has been pushed.

Step 6: Update code later

Next time, when editing code, you only need to run:

git add
git commit -m "Cap nhat noi dung"
git push

This is the basic workflow when working with GitHub:

Edit file -> git add -> git commit -> git push ->Code to GitHub

Security notes when using GitHub

Do not commit sensitive information to public repositories, for example:

Password
API key
Token
Private key
Configuration file contains login credentials
Customer data

If it is public documentation, review the content carefully before committing or uploading.

CONCLUSION

For beginners, it is recommended to start with GitHub's web interface first because it is easy to navigate and requires no complex setup. Once familiar with repositories, READMEs, file uploads, and commits, you can learn Git on your computer to work more professionally.

VPTS hopes this guide helps you better understand GitHub and apply it to real-world work. Using GitHub properly not only streamlines project management but also helps individuals and businesses demonstrate professionalism in developing, operating, and sharing technology products.

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