GitHub Integration

Your code is only on your computer. What if:

• Computer breaks → code is lost
• Work from different computer → code is trapped
• Share your work → can't access easily

Solution: GitHub - cloud backup for your code.

Time: 20 minutes

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What Is GitHub?

GitHub is like Google Drive for code.

Simple explanation:

• Code on computer = local
• Upload to GitHub = cloud backup
• Access anywhere = work from any device

Why this matters:

• Safe backup (computer dies, code survives)
• Work from anywhere (laptop, desktop, phone)
• Professional portfolio (employers check GitHub)
• Collaboration (work with teams)

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Step 1: Create Repository on GitHub

Do this on the GitHub website:

1. Go to github.com
2. Click "New repository" (green button or "+" in top right)
3. Fill in:
   • Name: my-project
   • Description: "My first project" (optional)
   • Public (visible to everyone)
4. Click "Create repository"

GitHub shows you a page with setup commands. Don't worry - Gemini CLI will handle it.

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Step 2: Connect Local Code to GitHub

Link your local repository to the GitHub repository.

You ask Gemini CLI: "Connect my local code to GitHub repo https://github.com/username/my-project"

Gemini runs: git remote add origin https://github.com/username/my-project.git

Creates connection between your local Git and GitHub.

Check it worked:

Ask Gemini CLI: "Show me my remote repositories"

Gemini runs: git remote -v

You should see origin pointing to your GitHub URL.

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Step 3: Set Up Authentication

GitHub needs to verify it's really you uploading code.

Method: Personal Access Token (recommended for beginners)

Creating Your Token

1. Go to github.com → Your profile picture → Settings
2. Scroll down → Developer settings
3. Personal access tokens → Tokens (classic)
4. Click "Generate new token"
5. Name it: "My computer"
6. Check "repo" (gives access to repositories)
7. Click "Generate token"
8. Copy the token immediately (starts with ghp_...)

⚠️ Save it now - you won't see it again!

Where to save: Password manager, secure note file, or write it down safely.

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Security notes:

• ⚠️ Never share your token (like a password)
• ⚠️ If exposed, delete it on GitHub immediately
• ✅ Create new tokens for different computers
• ✅ Delete tokens when you stop using a device

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Step 4: Push Code to GitHub

Upload your commits to GitHub.

First time push:

You ask Gemini CLI: "Push my code to GitHub for the first time"

Gemini runs: git push -u origin main

GitHub prompts for authentication:

• Username: Your GitHub username
• Password: Paste your token (not your GitHub password!)

Code uploads to GitHub.

Check it worked: Visit github.com/username/my-project - you should see your files and commits.

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Subsequent pushes (after first time):

Ask Gemini CLI: "Push my latest commits to GitHub"

Gemini runs: git push

No authentication prompt needed (Git remembers).

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Pull: Download from GitHub

Get the latest code from GitHub to your local computer.

You ask Gemini CLI: "Pull the latest code from GitHub"

Gemini runs: git pull

Downloads any changes from GitHub to your local repository.

When to pull:

• Start of work session
• Before making new changes
• Working from different computer
• Someone else pushed changes

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Working Across Multiple Computers

First computer (laptop):

1. Create code locally
2. Commit changes
3. Push to GitHub: git push

Second computer (desktop):

1. Clone the repository:

Ask Gemini CLI: "Download my GitHub repo https://github.com/username/my-project"

Gemini runs: git clone https://github.com/username/my-project.git

2. Make changes
3. Commit
4. Push to GitHub: git push

Back to first computer (laptop):

1. Pull from GitHub: git pull
2. All desktop changes are now on laptop
3. Continue working

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The Complete Workflow

Day 1 (Laptop):
  → Write code
  → Commit: git commit -m "Add feature"
  → Push: git push

Day 2 (Desktop):
  → Pull: git pull (get laptop's work)
  → Write more code
  → Commit: git commit -m "Fix bug"
  → Push: git push

Day 3 (Laptop):
  → Pull: git pull (get desktop's work)
  → All changes are here!

No USB drives, no email, no confusion. Your code follows you everywhere.

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Key Commands Reference

Task	Command
Connect to GitHub	git remote add origin [URL]
Check remote connection	git remote -v
First push	git push -u origin main
Regular push	git push
Pull from GitHub	git pull
Clone repository	git clone [URL]
Check push status	git status

Ask Gemini CLI in natural language - you don't need to memorize these.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

"Authentication failed":

• Double-check you're using token (not password)
• Token must have "repo" permission
• Try creating a new token

"Repository not found":

• Check URL spelling
• Repository must exist on GitHub first
• Your GitHub username is correct

"Updates were rejected":

• Someone else pushed first
• Pull first: git pull
• Then push: git push

Token lost:

• Create a new token on GitHub
• Delete the old one (security)
• Use new token when pushing

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Safety Guidelines

Always:

• Push at end of work sessions
• Pull before starting work
• Commit before pushing
• Keep tokens secure

Never:

• Share your tokens
• Commit your token to code
• Use GitHub password for Git commands (use token)
• Force push without understanding consequences

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Try With AI

Practice GitHub integration.

Tool: Gemini CLI (or Claude Code, ChatGPT)

Exercise 1: Connect Repository

I created a repository on GitHub: https://github.com/myusername/test-project
Connect my local Git repository to this GitHub repository.
Then verify the connection worked.

Exercise 2: Token Setup

Walk me through creating a Personal Access Token on GitHub.
What permissions do I need?
Where should I save it securely?

Exercise 3: First Push

I have my token ready.
Push my local commits to GitHub for the first time.
Guide me through authentication if GitHub asks.
Then verify my code appears on GitHub.

Exercise 4: Push and Pull Practice

Simulate this workflow:
1. Make a small change locally
2. Commit it
3. Push to GitHub
4. Pull from GitHub (should say "already up to date")
5. Verify everything is in sync

Exercise 5: Clone to New Location

Pretend I'm on a new computer.
How do I download my repository from GitHub?
Walk me through the clone process.

Exercise 6: Troubleshooting

What should I do if:
1. Push says "authentication failed"
2. Push says "rejected - fetch first"
3. I lost my token

Explain each solution.