Instructor Notes
This is workshop is intended to be run with the University of Edinburgh and makes use of their services.
Links
Why Version Control?
Instructor Note
Learners often try to remember all Git commands at
once. Reassure them that they only need a handful today:
git config, git init, git status,
git add, and git commit. Emphasise the
conceptual model (working directory → staging area → repository) before
the syntax.
Configuring Git
Instructor Note
Learners may have already used Git on their computers. Ask them to
run git config --list --show-origin to display where each
value is coming from. This often reveals surprises (e.g. an IDE has
silently set the editor to vim).
Recording Changes Locally
Instructor Note
Some learners struggle with the staging area at first. Compare it to
packing items into a box (staging) before placing the box in long‑term
storage (repository). Running git status after every major
step reinforces the mental model.
Working with Remote Repositories
Instructor Note
Learners often forget the -u flag on their
first push. Emphasise that git push -u origin main
sets up the tracking relationship, allowing future
git push/git pull without extra arguments.
Using Git with a Graphical User Interface RStudio
Instructor Note
Reassure learners that the GUI is not a “less powerful” version of Git—it’s just another interface to the same tool. Some users will transition back and forth between the GUI and command line.