initialize-git-repository

When to Use

Starting a new project that needs version control, or adding Git tracking to an existing project directory.

Prerequisites

• Git installed on system (git --version to verify)
• Terminal/command prompt access
• Project directory exists

Procedure

1. Navigate to project directory: cd /path/to/your/project
2. Initialize Git repository: git init
3. Configure user identity (if first time): git config --global user.name "Your Name" git config --global user.email "your.email@example.com"

4. Add files to staging area: git add .
5. Create initial commit: git commit -m "Initial commit"
6. Check repository status: git status

Verification

• .git directory exists in project folder
• git status shows "working tree clean"
• git log displays the initial commit

Pitfalls

• Running git init in wrong directory creates unwanted repository
• Forgetting to configure user identity causes commit failures
• Adding sensitive files (use .gitignore to exclude them)

Sources

• https://git-scm.com/
• https://www.atlassian.com/git/tutorials/what-is-git
• https://gitforwindows.org/