Versioning code and documentation with Git & GitHub
Versioning code and documentation with Git & GitHub
5 November 2026, 9h30- 17h00
6 November 2026, 9h30- 17h00
General context
This hands-on course introduces Git and GitHub to researchers, trainers, support staff, and anyone interested in version control. Git and GitHub are essential tools for ensuring reproducibility and efficient collaboration in computational projects. You will learn how to configure Git, manage project history, and work with local and remote repositories.
Through practical exercises, you will gain confidence in creating and managing repositories, applying core Git operations, and collaborating through branching and pull requests.
- Create and manage repositories to track changes and maintain project history
- Apply essential Git operations (staging, committing, pushing) for effective workflow locally and remotely
- Connect and synchronize local repositories with GitHub
- Implement branching and pull request workflows for collaborative development
- Interpret Git history and logs to monitor project evolution and resolve issues
- Troubleshoot common version control problems using basic debugging techniques
This is a highly interactive, hands-on course designed to take participants from zero to confidently using Git. Through guided demonstrations and practical exercises, you will work with real examples to learn how to manage version control, track project changes, and collaborate effectively using Git and GitHub.
Check this opportunity: Reproducible Data Analysis: an essential capability in modern science.
This course is intended for researchers, trainers, support staff, and anyone interested in learninhg version control for collaborative and reproducible work.
Participants must have prior experience using the command line. You should be able to:
- Navigate a folder hierarchy
- Create and manage files and directories
- Use basic terminal commands comfortably
If you need to refresh these skills, we recommend completing one of the following before the course: e-learning Linux command line, or this tutorial.
- Git
- GitHub
This course is part of multiple learning paths.
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
05 November 2026 - 06 November 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Technologiepark 75
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
05 November 2026 - 06 November 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
From Ghent Sint-Pieters station, you can take a bus to Technologiepark. Please check Routeplanner De Lijn for schedules.
05 November 2026 - 06 November 2026
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.
05 November 2026 - 06 November 2026
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.