Introduction to Git & GitHub
Introduction to Git & GitHub
9 October 2025, 9h30- 17h00
10 October 2025, 9h30- 17h00
General context
This course is part of a micro-credential track, which offers the added value of being akin to a mini-diploma. If you'd like to follow the full track, you will be able to improve the reproducibility of your research.
Check this opportunity: Reproducible Data Analysis: an Essential Capability in Modern Science.
This course is designed for researchers and support staff who are new to version control and want to adopt best practices for managing code and collaborating on scientific projects. As research becomes increasingly computational, using free tools like Git and GitHub is essential for tracking changes, ensuring reproducibility, and working efficiently in teams. In this hands-on session, you will learn how to set up Git, manage your project history, and collaborate using GitHub. By the end of the course, you will be able to confidently use Git from the command line, create and manage repositories, and contribute to shared projects through branching and pull requests.
- Configure Git on a local machine to prepare for version control in research projects.
- Create and manage repositories using Git commands to track changes and maintain project history.
- Apply basic Git operations (e.g., staging, committing, pushing) to work effectively with local and remote repositories.
- Implement branching and pull request workflows to collaborate with others on shared codebases.
- Interpret Git logs and history to understand project evolution and troubleshoot issues.
- Collaborate with other people in your project.
Get you started with Git from zero (note that if you already use Git, this workshop will be too introductory for you). This course is intended for researchers who are learning or using a programming language (R, Python, ...) and might have an existing project with code or text files that need a record of changes. If you intend to make your code collaborative, bonus points for you!
We'll explore Git on the command line and its interaction with GitHub.
Some basic knowledge of the command-line is STRONGLY advised for this course (e.g. ). You can follow one of these courses: e-learning Linux command, Linux initiation training, or this tutorial.
- Git
- GitHub
Trainers
Bruna Piereck
Bruna Piereck is a bioinformatics trainer at VIB and ELIXIR-BE training coordinator deputy. She obtained a Master and PhD degree in Molecular Genetics, with a focus on Bioinformatics from the Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil, in 2019. During her PhD, she had the chance to collaborate with the university of Luxembourg and the McGill university in Quebec Canada for a short time. Ever since she has been involved with teaching and research and Since March 2022, she joined VIB with the mission of teaching and assist other trainers in a variety of topics.
Program
Configurations & Introduction
Coffee break (provided)
Routine usage part 1 (status-stage-commit)
Lunch (provided)
History & Versions
From Git to GitHub
Coffee break (provided)
Collaborating in GitHub
Recap from 1st day
Experimenting Risk Free: What are Branches in Git & GitHub
Coffee break (provided)
Experimenting Risk Free: Working with Branches
Lunch (provided)
Solving conflicts
Coffee break (provided)
Changing an old version - Another way of Branching
Practical info
09 October 2025 - 10 October 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Technologiepark 75
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
09 October 2025 - 10 October 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
From Ghent Sint-Pieters station, you can take a bus to Technologiepark. Please check Routeplanner De Lijn for schedules.
09 October 2025 - 10 October 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Looking for a custom cycling route? Try the online cycling route planner to easily and quickly identify the fastest, safest and/or most scenic route to any destination in Ghent.
Cycling route planner
Shared bicycles:
Several providers are active in the area.
Take a look at their platforms:
- Indigo Weel Pro app
- Bluebike
- DOTT
- BOLT eBikes
- Donkey Republic
There are also some public bicycle pumps at the park.
09 October 2025 - 10 October 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
There is only one entrance to Technologiepark. At the entrance, please take a ticket - Parking is only allowed in regular parking spots (for instance in front of the building) and in the parking tower. Parking alongside the roads or in other places where there is no regular parking is prohibited.