Push Code from local to Github Repository

How to Push Code to GitHub: Complete Guide Using Git Bash & GitHub Desktop

Learn how to publish your local projects to GitHub using both command-line (Git Bash) and graphical interface (GitHub Desktop) with detailed step-by-step instructions.

Table of Contents

• Prerequisites
• Step 1: Create a New Repository on GitHub
• Method 1: Push Code Using Git Bash (Command Line)
• Method 2: Push Code Using GitHub Desktop (GUI)
• Troubleshooting & FAQs

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have completed the following setup steps:

• A registered account on GitHub.com.
• For Method 1: Git installed on your computer (Download Git).
• For Method 2: GitHub Desktop app installed (Download GitHub Desktop).

Step 1: Create a New Repository on GitHub

Regardless of whether you use Git Bash or GitHub Desktop, you need a remote repository on GitHub to receive your code.

1. Log into your GitHub account.
2. Click the "+" (Plus) icon in the top-right corner and select New repository (or click the green New button on your dashboard).
3. Enter a Repository name (e.g., my-awesome-project).
4. Choose visibility: Public or Private.
5. Important: Leave "Add a README file", ".gitignore", and "License" UNCHECKED if you are pushing an existing local project folder.
6. Click the green Create repository button.

Figure 1: Navigating the GitHub Repositories page to create a new remote repository.

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Method 1: Push Code to GitHub Using Git Bash

This is the standard command-line approach favored by developers for speed and direct control over Version Control Systems.

Step 1.1: Open Terminal in Your Project Folder

Navigate to the project directory on your computer where your source code files are located. Right-click anywhere in the folder window and select Git Bash Here.

Step 1.2: Initialize Git in the Project Directory

Run the git init command to turn your project folder into an active Git repository. This creates a hidden .git folder.

# Initialize local repository
git init

Step 1.3: Add Files to the Staging Area

Stage all your files so Git starts tracking changes made to them. The period (.) tells Git to include all files in the current directory.

# Stage all files in project folder
git add .

Tip: You can check the status of staged files at any point by typing git status.

Step 1.4: Commit the Staged Files

Save your staged snapshot locally by writing a commit message describing what changes were added.

# Commit changes with a descriptive message
git commit -m "Initial commit: Added project files"

Step 1.5: Rename Default Branch to Main

GitHub uses main as its default branch name. Run this command to ensure your local branch matches GitHub's standard:

# Set default branch name to 'main'
git branch -M main

Step 1.6: Connect Your Local Repository to GitHub (Add Remote)

Copy the HTTPS URL from the GitHub repository page you created earlier (e.g., https://github.com/username/my-awesome-project.git) and run:

# Connect local repository to GitHub remote origin
git remote add origin https://github.com/YOUR-USERNAME/YOUR-REPOSITORY-NAME.git

Step 1.7: Push Your Code to GitHub

Finally, push your committed code from your local main branch to the origin remote on GitHub:

# Push code and set tracking branch
git push -u origin main

Figure 2: Executing Git push commands inside the Git Bash terminal.

Note on Authentication: If this is your first time using Git Bash, a browser popup will appear prompting you to authenticate via GitHub login or Personal Access Token (PAT).

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Method 2: Push Code to GitHub Using GitHub Desktop

If you prefer a visual interface without typing terminal commands, GitHub Desktop makes the process fast and intuitive.

Step 2.1: Sign In to GitHub Desktop

Open GitHub Desktop and log in with your GitHub account credentials (File > Options > Accounts > Sign In).

Step 2.2: Add Your Local Repository

1. Go to the top menu bar and click File > Add Local Repository... (or press Ctrl + O).
2. Click Browse, select your local project folder, and click Select Folder.
3. If the folder isn't a Git repo yet, GitHub Desktop will prompt: "This directory does not appear to be a Git repository." Click the link that says Create a repository.
4. Fill in the name, description, and click Create Repository.

Step 2.3: Commit Your Changes

1. In the left sidebar under Changes, you will see a list of all your project files.
2. At the bottom left, enter a Summary (commit title, e.g., "Initial project upload").
3. Click the blue Commit to main button.

Step 2.4: Publish/Push Repository to GitHub

1. After committing, a top-bar banner will display a button labeled Publish repository.
2. Click Publish repository.
3. In the modal window that appears:
   • Confirm the repository Name.
   • Uncheck "Keep this code private" if you want a public repository.
   • Select your GitHub Organization/Account.
4. Click Publish Repository. GitHub Desktop will automatically upload all code directly to GitHub.

Figure 3: Clicking the 'Publish repository' button in GitHub Desktop to upload local code.

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Quick Command Reference Cheat Sheet (Git Bash)

Command	What it does
git init	Initializes a new local Git repository.
git add .	Stages all files for tracking/committing.
git commit -m "message"	Saves staged changes locally with a commit note.
git remote add origin URL	Links your local repo to the remote GitHub URL.
git push -u origin main	Uploads local commits to the primary remote branch.

Happy Coding! If you encountered any errors during push, double-check your SSH keys or Personal Access Token authentication settings on GitHub.