Command Reference

git init Tutorial

Explains how git init creates a repository, how the initial branch is defined, and how it is used for both new and existing directories.

The short version

git init creates a new Git repository structure in the current directory so version control can begin there.

Common use cases

  • starting a new project under Git
  • bringing an existing directory under version control
  • creating a local experiment repository quickly

Basic usage

git init
git init -b main

Important note

git init does not create the first commit. It only creates the repository metadata. The real history starts with your first commit.

Related Reads

git clone Tutorial

Explains how git clone copies a repository, what origin means by default, and what local branch setup usually looks like after cloning.

git status Tutorial

Covers how git status shows working tree, staging area, and branch state, and why it should be part of nearly every Git workflow.

git add Tutorial

Explains how git add stages changes for the next commit, and why the index is central to creating cleaner history.

Nextgit clone Tutorial

Explains how git clone copies a repository, what origin means by default, and what local branch setup usually looks like after cloning.