How to Use Git and GitHub in VSCode for Python

Git and GitHub are essential tools for version control and collaboration in software development. If you are learning Python for AI, knowing how to use Git and GitHub in VSCode can greatly enhance your productivity and collaboration with others. In this article, we will walk you through the process of using Git and GitHub in VSCode for Python development.

Step 1: Install Git

The first step is to install Git on your computer. You can download Git from the official website and follow the installation instructions. Once Git is installed, you can open your terminal and check if it is properly installed by typing git --version.

Step 2: Set Up GitHub Account

If you don’t have a GitHub account, you will need to sign up for one. GitHub is a platform for hosting and sharing code with others, and it will be essential for collaborating with your peers in AI and Python development.

Step 3: Install Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code is a popular and powerful code editor that has built-in support for Git and GitHub. You can download and install VSCode from the official website. Once installed, you can open your Python project in VSCode.

Step 4: Initialize Git Repository

In VSCode, open the integrated terminal and navigate to your Python project directory. Then, type git init to initialize a new Git repository for your project. This will create a hidden .git folder that stores the version history and metadata for your project.

Step 5: Stage and Commit Changes

After making changes to your Python code, you can use the source control tab in VSCode to stage and commit your changes. This allows you to track the history of your project and collaborate with others by sharing your code on GitHub.

Step 6: Connect VSCode to GitHub

In VSCode, you can connect to your GitHub account by clicking on the source control tab and selecting the option to publish to GitHub. This will prompt you to log in to your GitHub account and select a repository to push your code to.

Conclusion

Using Git and GitHub in VSCode for Python development is essential for collaborating with others and tracking the history of your project. By following these steps, you can enhance your productivity and collaboration in AI and Python development.