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Setting Up Your GitHub Account

Welcome to the GitHub setup guide! If you're taking the Custom Build path for your arcade cabinet, GitHub will help you store and manage your code. Even better - you can collaborate with others! :octocat:

What is GitHub? 🤔

GitHub is like Google Docs for code:

  • Stores your code safely in the cloud
  • Tracks changes you make over time
  • Lets you collaborate with others
  • Makes it easy to share your work
  • Used by real developers worldwide!

Why Use GitHub?

GitHub helps you:

  • Keep your code safe and organized
  • Track all changes to your code
  • Work with others on the same code
  • Share your arcade improvements
  • Build a portfolio of your work

Before You Start 📋

You'll need:

  • An email address
  • About 10-15 minutes
  • A strong password in mind

Student Benefits

As a student, you can get the GitHub Student Developer Pack for free! We'll show you how to get this later.

Setting Up Your Account 🔧

1. Create Your Account

  1. Visit https://github.com/signup
  2. Enter your email address
  3. Create a password
  4. Choose a username
  5. Complete the verification puzzle

Choosing a Username

Pick a professional username! This might be part of your portfolio later. Good examples: * jsmith-dev * jane-parker-code * john-arcade-2024

2. Verify Your Email

  1. Check your email
  2. Click the verification link
  3. Sign in to GitHub

3. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

This extra security step is important:

  1. Go to Settings → Password and Authentication
  2. Choose "Enable two-factor authentication"
  3. Select your preferred 2FA method:
  4. Authenticator app (recommended)
  5. Text messages

Save Your Recovery Codes

GitHub will give you recovery codes - save them somewhere safe!

Creating Your First Repository 📁

What's a Repository?

Think of a repository (or "repo") as a project folder that: * Stores all your code * Tracks all changes * Can be shared with others

Create a Repository

  1. Click the '+' icon in the top right
  2. Select "New repository"
  3. Name it (e.g., "arcade-project")
  4. Add a description
  5. Choose "Public" or "Private"
  6. Initialize with a README

Public vs Private

  • Public: Everyone can see your code (good for sharing and learning)
  • Private: Only you and people you invite can see it

Installing GitHub Desktop 💻

GitHub Desktop makes it easy to work with GitHub:

  1. Download GitHub Desktop:
  2. Windows/Mac Download
  3. For Linux: Use sudo apt install github-desktop
  4. Install and open GitHub Desktop
  5. Sign in with your GitHub account

Basic GitHub Commands ⌨

When using GitHub, you'll use these basic commands:

# Download your repository
git clone https://github.com/your-username/your-repo

# Save your changes
git add .
git commit -m "Describe your changes here"

# Upload to GitHub
git push

Using GitHub Desktop

GitHub Desktop gives you buttons for all these commands - no typing needed!

Getting the Student Pack 🎒

The GitHub Student Developer Pack gives you free access to developer tools:

  1. Visit education.github.com/pack
  2. Click "Get your pack"
  3. Sign in with your GitHub account
  4. Verify your student status
  5. Use your school email if possible
  6. Or upload proof of student status

Next Steps ▶

After setting up GitHub:

  1. Create your arcade project repository
  2. Set up GitHub Desktop
  3. Clone your repository locally
  4. Start adding your code!

Continue to AWS Setup → Back to Prerequisites

Troubleshooting 🔧

Common setup issues and solutions:

Can't Create Account

  • Make sure your email isn't already registered
  • Try a different username
  • Check password requirements

Email Verification Issues

  • Check spam folder
  • Request a new verification email
  • Use a different email if needed

2FA Problems

  • Ensure correct time on your device
  • Save backup codes
  • Contact GitHub support if needed

Need Help?

Best Practices ⭐

Keep Your Account Secure

  • Use a strong password
  • Enable 2FA
  • Don't share your credentials

Repository Organization

  • Use clear names
  • Add good descriptions
  • Keep code organized
  • Comment your code

Collaboration Tips

  • Write clear commit messages
  • Review changes before pushing
  • Communicate with collaborators
  • Use issues for tracking tasks

Ready to Code?

With GitHub set up, you're ready to start managing your arcade cabinet code like a pro!s