Git & GitHub Desktop Setup

Published

February 25, 2026

Overview

Next Monday (March 2) we have a hands-on Github workshop where you will set up a website for your final project using Github Pages. To make the most of class time, you need to come with git and GitHub Desktop installed and working on your laptop.

Please complete the steps below before class on Monday. If you run into issues, post on Slack and we will troubleshoot before the workshop.

Step 1: Install git

Check if you already have git installed. Open a terminal (Mac: Terminal app; Windows: Command Prompt) and run:

git --version

If you see a version number, you’re good — skip to Step 2.

If not, install git:

  • Mac: Open Terminal and run xcode-select --install. This installs git along with other developer tools. Alternatively, download from git-scm.com.
  • Windows: Download the installer from git-scm.com. During installation, watch for two settings:
    • Default branch name: select main (not master)
    • Adjusting your PATH: select Git from the command line and also from 3rd-party software

After installing, close and reopen your terminal, then run git --version again to confirm.

Step 2: Configure git with your identity

This tells git who you are so your commits are attributed to you. In the terminal, run:

git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "yourname@email.edu"

Replace with your actual name and the email you used to sign up for GitHub. Verify with:

git config --list

You should see your name and email in the output.

Step 3: Install GitHub Desktop

GitHub Desktop is a visual interface for git that makes it easier to commit, push, and pull without using the command line.

  1. Download from desktop.github.com
  2. Install and open it
  3. Sign in with your GitHub account (the same one where your psci3200_yourname repo lives)

Step 4: Clone your repo

  1. In GitHub Desktop, click File → Clone Repository
  2. Find your psci3200_yourname repo in the list (or paste the URL)
  3. Choose a local folder where you want the repo to live on your computer
  4. Click Clone

You should now see your repo in GitHub Desktop.

Step 5: Test the full workflow

This is the most important step — it confirms that everything is connected.

  1. Open your cloned repo folder on your computer
  2. Create a new file called test.txt with any content (e.g., “hello”)
  3. Go back to GitHub Desktop — you should see the new file listed under “Changes”
  4. Write a commit message (e.g., “test commit”) and click Commit to main
  5. Click Push origin (top bar)
  6. Go to your repo on github.com and confirm that test.txt appeared

If you can see the file on github.com, you are all set for Monday.

Troubleshooting

“Authentication failed” when pushing: GitHub no longer accepts passwords. GitHub Desktop uses OAuth (browser sign-in), so make sure you completed the sign-in step. Try signing out and back in: GitHub Desktop → Preferences/Settings → Accounts → Sign Out → Sign In again.

Can’t find your repo when cloning: Make sure you’re signed into the same GitHub account that owns the repo. Check at github.com which account the repo is under.

GitHub Desktop shows “This repository does not exist on disk”: The local folder was moved or deleted. Re-clone from File → Clone Repository.

Git not recognized after installing (Windows): Close and reopen your terminal. If it still doesn’t work, the installer may not have added git to your PATH — reinstall and make sure to select “Git from the command line and also from 3rd-party software.”

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