GitHub is an online platform primarily used for hosting code, tracking changes with version control, and enabling collaboration on software projects[1][3][5]. It helps developers store, manage, and update code, while providing tools for tracking issues, reviewing changes, and managing tasks within a project[1][2].
Key uses of GitHub include:
- Version control: GitHub uses Git to keep track of all modifications in a project, allowing users to revert to previous versions, track who made specific changes, and understand the history of a project[1][2][7].
- Collaboration: Teams can work together from anywhere, propose changes, review them, and merge updates efficiently without overwriting each other’s work[1][3][7].
- Project management: Built-in tools like issue tracking, milestones, labels, and task lists help teams organize their workflows, prioritize tasks, and monitor progress[1][5].
- Documentation and code showcase: Projects on GitHub can include detailed documentation, wikis, and Markdown files, making it easier for users to understand and contribute to a project[1][2].
- Community and open source: GitHub serves as a global hub for open source projects, allowing anyone to view, use, and contribute to public repositories, fostering community contributions and learning[2][3][8].
- Integration and automation: GitHub integrates with various services (like cloud providers, code analysis tools, and CI/CD systems) to automate testing, deployment, and other aspects of the development process[2][4].
References
- [1] GitHub – Wikipedia
- [2] Top 7 benefits you get by using Github
- [3] What Is GitHub? (And What Is It Used For?) – HubSpot Blog
- [4] How to Correctly Use GitHub for Software Development
- [5] What is GitHub And How To Use It? – Simplilearn.com
- [7] What Is GitHub and Why Should You Use It? – Coursera
- [8] Collection: Software development tools