Set up GitHub, Git, and a code editor

You need three things before your first contribution: a GitHub account, Git on your computer, and a code editor. This guide walks through each one. None of them cost anything.

1. Create your GitHub account

• Go to github.com and choose Sign up. Pick a username you are happy to show employers; it appears on everything you contribute.
• Verify your email address.
• Add a profile picture or avatar, your name, and one line about what you are learning. A short, honest profile is better than an empty one.

2. Turn on two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) asks for a second code when you sign in, so a leaked password is not enough to take over your account. Many projects require it. In GitHub, open Settings, then Password and authentication, and enable two-factor authentication with an authenticator app. Save your recovery codes somewhere safe and offline.

3. Install Git

Git records changes to files on your own computer. Install it from git-scm.com, then tell Git who you are so your commits carry your name. In a terminal, run git config --global user.name followed by your name in quotes, and git config --global user.email followed by the email you use on GitHub.

4. Choose a code editor

A code editor is where you read and change code. Visual Studio Code is free and widely used, and it has built-in Git support. Any editor you are comfortable with is fine.

Gentler options

• GitHub Desktop: a free app that lets you clone, commit, and push with buttons instead of terminal commands.
• GitHub Codespaces: a ready-made editor in your browser, so you do not have to install a project on your own computer.

When all of this works, you are ready to make a change and propose it. Next: your first pull request.