How to use Github

[hiraku749]

How to use Github
I'm a 13-year-old beginner Java programmer. I've completed some code and would like to publish it on Github. Is there a way to send it automatically from VsCode? Also, I'd like to know how to save it to Github.
I'd also like some advice from active programmers, if possible. Is there anything I should do now?

[BatuhanKas]

Yes, you can upload your Java project to GitHub from VS Code.

First, install Git on your computer and create a GitHub account. Then open your project in VS Code. On the left side, click the Source Control icon. If your project is not a Git repository yet, click “Initialize Repository”. After that, write a short commit message like “first version” and click Commit.

To upload it to GitHub, sign in to GitHub from VS Code and click “Publish Branch” or “Publish to GitHub”. You can choose whether the repository is public or private. If you are still learning, private is a good choice at first.

GitHub is not exactly like auto-save. Usually the flow is:

1. Make changes to your code
2. Commit the changes
3. Push or Sync them to GitHub

You can also use GitHub Desktop if VS Code feels confusing.

Some beginner advice:

• Add a README file explaining what your project does.
• Do not upload passwords, tokens, personal information, or private school files. You can use a .gitignore file for things that should not be uploaded.
• Use clear commit messages, like “add login menu” or “fix price calculation”. Later, you can also learn prefixes like feat:, fix:, and docs:.
• Do not worry if your code is not perfect. GitHub is also for learning.
• Keep building small projects. Java basics, OOP, arrays/lists, file handling, and simple GUI or console apps are great next steps.
• Read other beginner-friendly projects on GitHub and learn from them.

The most important thing is to keep coding and upload your progress. Every programmer starts with simple projects.