Git and GitHub Roadmap

A step-by-step Git and GitHub roadmap: what to learn in order, the related skills and the best places to learn each step.

The stack, end to end

  • Fundamentals: Linux command line, File permissions, Processes, Shell scripting, Git, GitHub, Branching and merging, Pull requests
  • DevOps: CI/CD, GitHub Actions, Automated deployment, Secrets management, Docker, Dockerfile, Docker Compose, Container networking

  1. Linux and the command line

    Suggested pace: Start here

    Servers mostly run Linux. Learn to move around the file system, read and edit files, manage permissions and processes, and write small shell scripts.

    Skills

    • Linux command line
    • File permissions
    • Processes
    • Shell scripting

    Tips

    • Use the terminal for everyday tasks for a few weeks and it will start to feel natural.

    Where to learn

  2. Version control with Git and GitHub

    Suggested pace: Next

    Git records the history of your code and lets teams work on the same project. Learn to commit, branch, merge, resolve conflicts and open a pull request on GitHub. Almost every software job expects it.

    Skills

    • Git
    • GitHub
    • Branching and merging
    • Pull requests

    Tips

    • Put every practice project on GitHub. It doubles as your portfolio.

    Where to learn

  3. CI/CD and automation

    Suggested pace: Then

    Continuous integration runs your tests on every change, and continuous delivery deploys safely. Learn pipelines, build artifacts, secrets and a simple release process, for example with GitHub Actions.

    Skills

    • CI/CD
    • GitHub Actions
    • Automated deployment
    • Secrets management

    Tips

    • Make a pipeline that runs tests on every push to your project.

    Where to learn

  4. Docker and containers

    Suggested pace: After that

    A container packages an app with everything it needs so it runs the same everywhere. Learn images, containers, volumes, networks, Dockerfiles and Docker Compose.

    Skills

    • Docker
    • Dockerfile
    • Docker Compose
    • Container networking

    Tips

    • Containerise one of your own projects end to end.

    Where to learn

Frequently asked questions

Where should I start with Git and GitHub?

Start at step 1 and work down in order, because later steps build on earlier ones. If you are signed in, the roadmap compares your resume with each step and marks where you could start.

Is Git and GitHub worth learning?

Check how many job adverts in your area mention Git and GitHub, and whether it fits the kind of work you want. This roadmap shows what to learn; the Browse jobs page shows what employers are asking for.

How do I know I am ready to apply?

When you can build a small project from start to finish without copying a tutorial, and explain why you made your choices. Apply while you keep learning; you do not need to know everything.