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Git Fundamentals
Git's mental model: what it actually stores (commits as snapshots, branches as refs, the DAG); branches and merging (fast-forward, three-way); the staging area (working tree → index → commit flow); remotes (push, pull, fetch, tracking).
Module Content
Git's Mental Model — Commits, Trees, Refs
The mental model that makes Git click: commits are snapshots in a DAG; branches are just pointers; everything else follows. FIND_VIDEO: search 'git internals commits trees branches explained' — recommended channel: The Coding Train / Fireship / Atlassian. Aim for 11 min or under.
Recap — What Git Actually Stores
Commits as snapshots (not diffs), branches as movable pointers, the DAG, and why understanding this makes everything else obvious.
Branches & Merging
Create branches, switch between them, merge them back. The mechanics and the two flavors of merge (fast-forward and three-way). FIND_VIDEO: search 'git branching merging tutorial' — recommended channel: Fireship / Atlassian Bitbucket. Aim for 10 min or under.
Recap — Fast-Forward, Three-Way, and Merge Commits
The two main merge types and when each happens. Plus how conflicts arise and the basic resolution flow.
The Staging Area
The space between your working tree and the repo. Stage selectively, craft good commits, review before committing. FIND_VIDEO: search 'git staging area index explained' — recommended channel: Atlassian Bitbucket / Fireship. Aim for 9 min or under.
Recap — Working Tree → Index → Commit Flow
The three areas of local Git and the commands that move things between them.
Remotes — Push, Pull, Fetch
Working with remote repositories. The push/pull/fetch model, tracking branches, and origin vs upstream. FIND_VIDEO: search 'git remote push pull fetch tutorial' — recommended channel: Atlassian Bitbucket / GitHub Docs. Aim for 10 min or under.
Recap — The Remote Mental Model
What a remote is, how local and remote branches relate, and the patterns for collaborating without stepping on each other.
Scenario 1 — Set Up a Git Repo + Push to GitHub
Create a new project, initialize Git, push to GitHub. The basic loop everyone needs cold.