Git vs GitHub: What’s the Difference? Complete Beginner Guide (2026)

Git vs GitHub explained for beginners showing the difference between Git version control and GitHub online code collaboration platform

If you're starting to explore the world of Web Development, JavaScript, React, or the MERN Stack, then knowing about both Git and GitHub is a must for your learning curve.

Many new developers and programmers believe that GIT and GitHub both refer to the same application, however, they are both different applications.

That's why I put together this simple guide on Git vs GitHub by providing real life examples that lend themselves to anyone who is just starting.


What is Git? (Basics of Version Control System)

The answer to the above question would be the version control system that developers use to manage their source code and keep track of the source code changes.

In simple words,, Git will remember:

  • The code that was created egg — the line of code that they wrote
  • The changes made egg — the change you have made to the code since you created it
  • Who made the change egg — who made the last change to your code
  • When the change was made egg — the date and time that the last change was made to your code


Example of Using Git

Let's say you are creating a website and it has 3 pages

Day 1 — Login page
Day 2 — Signup page
Day 3 — Payment page

Let's say you notice something is broken on Day 3, then using Git, you are able to instantly go back and see what was done on Day 2 or Day 1.


What makes Git great?

  • Situated on your desktop computer anywhere you may be.
  • Works offline and without limitation.
  • Ability to manage multiple versions of your code almost all software developers use this application.


GitHub Explained Simply

GitHub is a cloud-based Git repository service that allows developers to store their code, share it with others, and co-develop code that has been uploaded to GitHub.

More Simply,GitHub is like Google Drive, for storing code files, but specifically oriented toward software developers.

An Example of How to Use GitHub Together

  • You write a code file using your local git on your system
  • Then submit the code by pushing it to your Git Hub repository.
  • Then, your co-worker pulls the code from your repository.
  • You two work together without any trouble.


The Key Features of GitHub

  • A website and cloud-based platform
  • Requires internet connection
  • Team collaboration
  • Great for portfolio projects or open-source projects.


The Major Differences Between Git and GitHub (Explained Simply)

  • Git is an application that operates on your local computer and enables you to track all changes made to files, regardless of whether you can connect to the internet or access the internet.
  • Git Hub is an online web service where you upload Git-managed code; thus, you can both share your work and work with others on that same code base.

In Short, Git Tracks Your Code History, and GitHub Helps You Share and Collaborate on It.


Why Both Git and GitHub are Important to Developers

  • Git manages the history of code
  • GitHub shows your work to the world
  • Companies review your GitHub profile
  • Freelancers gain new clients from GitHub
  • GitHub will be compulsory for developers by 2026


The Way I Use Git and GitHub in Projects

I commit my changes using Git on my local machine as I develop React or Node.js features. Once I am satisfied with a feature, I upload (push) it to GitHub in order to document my progress and demonstrate my work. This also allows me to collaborate with others if they want to contribute to my project. By consistently using Git for all of my work, I have developed my GitHub profile into a robust representation of my abilities and feel comfortable sharing my projects with potential employers during an interview.


The Advantages of Learning Git and GitHub

Learning Git and GitHub will help you to:

  • Be successful in developer interviews
  • Have an impressive portfolio
  • Contribute to open source projects
  • Obtain work as a freelancer
  • Earn money through remote work

Many businesses hire developers based on their GitHub project.


The Recommended Sequence to Learn Git and GitHub for Beginners 

  • Learn Git basics – init, add, commit, and push
  • Sign up for a GitHub account
  • Upload your projects to GitHub
  • Learn how to work collaboratively and contribute to open source projects.

Conclusion

Git and GitHub don't compete; they work in conjunction.
You can't be serious about web design (MERN stacking) or programming unless you know about both Git and GitHub. They are critical tools for web developers.
Warning: If you want to learn how to code, get started with GitHub as soon as possible!

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