GitHub Cheatsheet (2025)

Easy commands and tips for kids aged 11 to 15 ⚡

Quick terms (one line each)

• Repo = project folder on GitHub.
• Commit = save your work.
• Branch = safe copy to try things.
• Fork = your copy of someone else’s repo.
• Pull request = ask to add your changes to another repo.
• Issue = a task, bug, or idea.

Basic Git commands (use in Terminal / Command Prompt)

Start a new repo locally

git init

Clone a repo from GitHub

git clone https://github.com/username/repo.git

Check status of files

git status

Save changes (3 steps)

git add .
git commit -m "Short clear message"
git push

Pull latest changes from GitHub

git pull

Branching (safe experiments)

Create and switch to a new branch

git checkout -b new-feature

Switch back to main

git checkout main

Merge a branch into main

git checkout main
git merge new-feature

Delete a branch (after merge)

git branch -d new-feature

Helpful history and fixes

See commit history

git log --oneline

See what changed in files

git diff

Undo last commit but keep changes staged

git reset --soft HEAD~1

Discard all local changes (use carefully)

git reset --hard
git checkout -- .

Save your work quickly and switch branch

git stash
git stash pop

Working with remotes (GitHub)

Add a remote (link local repo to GitHub)

git remote add origin https://github.com/username/repo.git

Push main branch (first push)

git push -u origin main

Tags and releases

Create a tag

git tag v1.0
git push origin v1.0

GitHub features you should know (short)

• Issues: report bugs or add ideas.
• Pull requests: review and merge code from others.
• Actions: automatic tasks like tests and deploys.
• Pages: free websites from your repo.
• Projects: Kanban boards to plan work.
• Discussions: chat and Q&A inside a repo.
• Codespaces: online coding environment.
• Copilot: AI helper that suggests code.

Short tips (real useful)

• Write short commit messages that explain the change.
• Use branches for every new feature.
• Read README first when you find a new project.
• Star repos you like to save them.
• Use issues to ask for help.
• Keep secrets out of repos (no passwords or API keys).

Commands to copy for test projects

Try this simple flow in a new folder:

mkdir my-test
cd my-test
git init
echo "# My Test" > README.md
git add README.md
git commit -m "Add README"
# create remote on GitHub, then:
git remote add origin https://github.com/yourname/my-test.git
git push -u origin main

Final quick checklist

• Create repo on GitHub
• Clone locally or use web editor
• Make a branch for new work
• Commit often with clear messages
• Open a pull request to merge changes
• Use GitHub Pages to show projects