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Git init: initialize a Git repository

Every Git project starts with git init. This command transforms a simple folder into a version-controlled repository. Learn what it does, what it creates, and how to get started.

Practice git initGit Glossary
The basics

What is git init?

git init initializes a new Git repository in the current directory. Concretely, it creates a hidden .git/ folder that contains all the structure needed for version control.

It's the first command you run when starting a new project. After git init, you can start adding files and creating commits.

If you're joining an existing project, use git clone instead, which runs git init automatically.

What git init creates

.git/objects/

Stores commits, trees, and compressed files

.git/refs/

References for branches and tags

.git/HEAD

Points to the current branch

.git/config

Local repository configuration

Git init in practice

Initialize a repository and make your first commit.

Initialize the repository

First commit

git init vs git clone

git init

Creates an empty repository from scratch. No history, no files. You make the first commit yourself.

Use when: you're starting a new project

git clone

Copies an existing repository from a remote server with its full history, branches, and tags.

Use when: you're joining an existing project

Common mistakes with git init

Initializing in the wrong folder

Check that you're in the right directory with pwd before running git init. A repository initialized in ~ (home) would track your entire personal folder.

Nested Git repositories

Never run git init inside a folder that is already part of a Git repository. This creates nested repositories that cause unpredictable behavior.

Forgetting the .gitignore

Create a .gitignore file before your first commit to exclude node_modules, .env, build files, etc. It's much easier than removing them later.

Part of the Git Basics guide

Related commands

git clone

Clone an existing remote repository

git status

Check the repository state

git config

Configure Git after initialization

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GitQuest is created by Anaïs (nouvelle fenêtre), web developer and head of education, specializing in tech training and digital accessibility.

Questions about git init

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