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Git vs GitHub
Git vs GitHub
Git and GitHub are not the same thing, even though people use the names together all the time.
Git is a tool
Git is a program you install on your computer. It works fully offline. You use it to track and manage versions of your own files.
GitHub is a website
GitHub is an online service that hosts your Git repositories. When you share a repository on GitHub, other people can see it, copy it, and help you work on it.
Repositories stored online are called remote repositories.
Other hosts
GitHub is the most popular, but it is not the only one. You can also host remote repositories on:
- GitLab
- Bitbucket
- Azure DevOps
What you use each for
| Task | Tool |
|---|---|
| Track versions on your computer | Git |
| Share your project online | GitHub |
| Back up your work in the cloud | GitHub |
| Collaborate with a team | GitHub |
The important part
You can use Git without GitHub. You only need GitHub (or a similar service) when you want to share your project or work with others.
TL;DR
- Git is the version control tool on your computer.
- GitHub is an online service that hosts repositories.
- Remote repositories live online, on services like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket.
- Git works offline; GitHub is only needed for sharing and collaboration.