Your First Repository

A repository (or "repo") is simply a folder that Git is tracking. Let's create one!

Creating a Repository

To turn any folder into a Git repository, you use:

git init

That's it! This single command transforms an ordinary folder into a version-controlled project.

What Happens When You Run git init?

When you initialize a repository, Git creates a hidden .git folder inside your project. This folder contains:

• All your project history - every snapshot you've ever taken
• Branch information - which timelines exist
• Configuration - settings for this repository

my-project/
├── .git/          ← Git's brain (hidden folder)
│   ├── objects/   ← Stores all your snapshots
│   ├── refs/      ← Tracks branches
│   └── HEAD       ← Points to current branch
├── index.html
├── style.css
└── app.js

The Working Directory

Your working directory is everything in your project folder except the .git folder. This is where you actually edit files.

Git constantly watches your working directory to see what's changed since your last snapshot.

Repository States

Files in a Git repository can be in one of these states:

Try It Out!

Use the interactive simulator below to initialize a repository. Watch as the .git folder appears and Git starts tracking your project!