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Set up version control

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Overview

About this plan

What's inside: GitHub repository synchronization, a 'Bulletproof' backup workflow, and professional .gitignore configuration.

Initialize Git locally, link your private GitHub repo, and verify the connection with your first push to the cloud.

Outcome

The Goal

Insurance for Your Code: If your laptop dies, your project dies - unless it's versioned. We move your code from a single hard drive to a secure, cloud-based GitHub repository.

Fearless Development: Stop being afraid of breaking your app. With a proper Git workflow, every "Save" is a recovery point. If you break the code at 2:00 AM, you can revert to a working version in seconds.

Build a Professional Paper Trail: Recruiters don’t just look at your code; they look at your commit history. We set up a clean, logical history that proves you built the app incrementally and understand the industry-standard workflow.

Audience

Who This Is For

You're Terrified of 'Breaking Everything'You want the ability to experiment without consequences. Git gives you "Save Points" so you can always go back to when the code last worked.
You're Building a Job-Ready PortfolioYou need to prove you didn't just copy-paste a tutorial. A clean commit history is the #1 way to prove to a recruiter that you are the original author of your work.
You Want to Prevent Data LossHard drives fail and laptops get lost. Use GitHub as your primary insurance policy so your intellectual property is never at risk.
You're Collaborating with a TeamStop overwriting each other's files. Use a "Source of Truth" where work can be merged, reviewed, and integrated without chaos.

Applications

Best Use Cases

Solo Founders Protecting Intellectual Property

Your code is your most valuable asset. Even if you are a team of one, GitHub ensures your IP is backed up, versioned, and accessible from any machine in the world.

Students Proving "Work History"

A GitHub graph with consistent, logical commits is a silent resume. It shows discipline, technical literacy, and a commitment to professional standards.

Developers Moving Toward AWS Deployment

Professional cloud deployment happens via GitHub. By setting this up now, you are building the bridge that will eventually allow your AWS server to pull and run your code automatically.

Methodology

Why This Approach

Strategy Over Chaos: Most beginners treat Git like a "Save" button with messages like "fixed stuff." We teach you the "Atomic" strategy: small, logical changes that keep your history readable.
The Branching Safety Net: We emphasize "Feature Branching" - the practice of coding in a separate space so your main app stays functional while you experiment.
Security by Default: Our .gitignore setup ensures you don’t accidentally leak database passwords or secret keys to the public - a common mistake that can lead to hacked servers.
Deployment Readiness: In the professional world, you deploy from GitHub, not your laptop. This stage builds the foundation for the "Continuous Integration" workflow used by elite dev teams.

Next Steps

What's next?

Your code is safely versioned. Next, move to Stage 7: Database Schema Engineering to build the MySQL tables for your Foundation Feature. Your code is protected - now it's time for data.

Quick Info

Cost1 credit

We standardize on Git + GitHub for this workflow. The principles you learn here apply to GitLab, Bitbucket, or any other professional source control platform.

Process

How it works

1

Step 1: Repository Initialization. We configure Git on your local machine with global production settings, ensuring your identity is correctly linked to every line of code you write.

2

Step 2: Remote Synchronization. We create a private GitHub repository and establish a secure "handshake" between your laptop and the cloud via verified authentication.

3

Step 3: The Integrity Cycle. You will execute your first full Add → Commit → Push sequence to verify that your "pipes" to the cloud are live and working.

GitGitGitHubGitHub

Deliverables

What you'll get

You walk away with a professional-grade safety net. Your code is no longer just "saved" - it is versioned. You can see what you changed, when you changed it, and why. If a new feature breaks your app, you can revert instantly. If your hardware fails, your business logic is safe on GitHub. Most importantly, you are now using the same source control system used by Google, Amazon, and every major tech startup. You are officially part of the global developer ecosystem.

Verified Git/GitHub Link: A secure connection ensuring your local changes flow seamlessly to the cloud.
Production-Ready .gitignore: A pre-configured filter that keeps sensitive API keys and junk "system files" out of your public history.
The "Senior" Commit Blueprint: A guide on the "Atomic Commit" pattern: how to write messages that make sense to teammates and recruiters.
Professional README Template: A landing page for your repo that explains your project, how to run it, and why it matters.
Experimental Branching Strategy: A "No-Panic" pattern for testing risky new features without touching your stable "main" code.

Prerequisites

Before you begin

Cost

1 credit

Time

30–60 minutes

Requirement

A working local project and a free GitHub account.