Git and GitLab Introduction

This note is a public workshop summary for learning Git and GitLab collaboration patterns.

Learning goals

Understand why version control is useful.
Practice local Git workflows.
Understand remote collaboration with GitLab or GitHub.

Why version control

Keep a clean and reviewable project history.
Revert to earlier states when needed.
Track line-level changes and context via commit messages.

Core local workflow

git init
git status
git add <files>
git commit -m "message"
git log
git diff

Basic collaboration workflow

git clone https://gitlab.example.com/<group>/<project>.git
git switch -c main
git add .
git commit -m "initial commit"
git push -u origin main

Connect existing local repository to a remote

git remote add origin https://gitlab.example.com/<group>/<project>.git
git push -u origin --all
git push -u origin --tags

Notes on safe public examples

Use placeholder domains and repository paths in documentation.
Avoid publishing institution-internal hostnames or private remotes.
Avoid local absolute file paths in shared notes.