{
  "id": 2225790,
  "title": "My First GitHub Project: From a Local Folder to GitHub Using Git and SSH",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/my-first-github-project-from-a-local-folder-to-github-using-git-and-2225790",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-20T20:53:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dev.to",
    "slug": "dev-to",
    "url": "https://dev.to/first_name_alice/my-first-github-project-from-a-local-folder-to-github-using-git-and-ssh-1cp0"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Embarking on your first GitHub project may seem daunting, especially if it's your maiden voyage into version control. Yet, by following a handful of crucial steps, the journey from a local folder to a GitHub repository becomes a straightforward and rewarding process. Let's walk through these steps together.\n\nFirstly, prepare your local environment by generating a folder dedicated to your project. On a Linux system, the Terminal becomes your ally. Begin by launching the Terminal and creating a new directory for your project using the command `mkdir your project folder name`. Transition into this directory with `cd ~/to the folder you have just created`.\n\nNext, fine-tune your folder by adding essential files. A `README.md` file serves as your project's introductory guide, detailing the purpose, methodology, and tools used in your analysis. Create this file with `touch README.md`. For any data files required by your project, such as Excel or CSV files, create a subdirectory named `data` with the command `mkdir data`. This organizational structure lays the groundwork for your project's integrity and clarity.\n\nOnce your files are in place, verify their presence with the `ls` command, which lists all contents of your current directory. Within the `data` folder, further organize your files, such as Excel or CSV datasets, which will be instrumental in your analysis.\n\nIn crafting the `README.md`, adopt a markdown format for a cleaner, more readable structure. Begin with a brief description of your project, akin to the summary at the front of a good book. Use `echo` commands with markdown syntax to add headings (`#`) and subheadings (`##`) alongside content. This markdown prowess allows you to maintain your project's documentation with ease, ensuring each addition or change is documented efficiently.\n\nWith your local project set up, the next step is to synchronize this work with GitHub. Ensure your GitHub account and SSH key are configured. Begin by initializing Git within your project directory using `git init`. Check your project's status with `git status` to confirm what changes are awaiting your attention.\n\nTo stage all changes, run `git add .`. If you wish to commit specific files, replace the dot with the filename. This marks the files as ready for your first commit. Then, commit these changes with `git commit -m \"add message here of what you are committing\"`. This message serves as your project's first milestone, capturing the essence of what you've accomplished.\n\nBefore pushing to GitHub, ensure you are on the correct branch, typically referred to as `main`. If not, switch branches using `git checkout main`. Once you've verified the correct branch, it's time to push your changes to GitHub. Log in to your GitHub account, navigate to the 'New Repository' option under your profile. Provide a name for your repository, akin to your local folder, and include a succinct description. Click 'Create Repository' without adding a README.md, as you've already created one locally.\n\nUpon repository creation, copy the SSH URL provided. Return to your Terminal, replace `your copied URL` with the URL you just copied, and execute `git remote add origin <URL>`. This command establishes a connection between your local project and GitHub. Subsequently, push your changes with `git push -u origin main`. If prompted for your SSH key passphrase, input it. Upon successful completion, refresh your GitHub page to witness the changes reflected on your project's page.\n\nExecuting these steps meticulously ensures that your project is seamlessly integrated into GitHub, ready for collaboration and version control. Each command, each file added, and each commit represents a step towards a transparent, collaborative, and error-free coding environment.",
  "summary": "Getting your folder or file to github can be a bit of an off vibe due to the many steps especially if it's your first commit, but getting these steps right will make it easy for the other folders or files you will push afterwards.Let’s dive in CREATING A LOCAL FOLDER Depending on the OS you are using you can use Git Bash or the Terminal. For Linux which is what I am using I will use the Terminal…",
  "key_points": [
    "Create dedicated project folder using mkdir command",
    "Organize files with README.md and data subfolder",
    "Initialize Git and push changes to GitHub using SSH"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}