Session 1 — First Workflow with GitHub Desktop

Last updated on 2026-03-03 | Edit this page

Session Plan

Duration: 90 minutes Goal: clone a repo, create commits, push/pull, and explore history.

Prerequisite material: Material 1 — Git Basics and Single-Person Workflow.

1. Clone the Repository (10 min)

  • Live demo: clone the repository created in Session 0 using GitHub Desktop.
  • Participants follow along.
  • Verify everyone can see the repository files locally.

2. Make a Local Edit and Commit (20 min)

  • Demo: edit README.md, stage changes, write a commit message, commit.
  • Emphasise good commit messages (short, descriptive, imperative mood).
  • Participants make their own edits and commit.
Callout

Important: commit message best practices

Before participants start committing, take 2 minutes to discuss:

  • Start with a verb (“Add”, “Fix”, “Update”)
  • Keep it under 50 characters
  • One logical change per commit

Show a bad example vs a good example side by side.

3. Push Changes and Verify on GitHub (10 min)

  • Demo: push from GitHub Desktop, then show the result on GitHub.
  • Participants push and verify their changes appear online.

4. Edit on GitHub, Then Pull (15 min)

  • Demo: make an edit in the GitHub web editor, then pull in GitHub Desktop.
  • This demonstrates the remote → local direction of the workflow.
  • Participants do the same.
Callout

Common confusion point

Participants may not understand the difference between fetch and pull. Explain briefly:

  • Fetch = check for updates (does not change your files)
  • Pull = fetch + merge (updates your files)

5. Browse History (15 min)

  • Demo: use the History tab in GitHub Desktop to inspect previous commits.
  • Show how to view diffs (green/red highlighting).
  • Participants explore their own history.

6. Best Practices Mini-Talk (10 min)

  • Commit messages: why they matter and how to write them.
  • Small commits: one change per commit.
  • Pull often: avoid diverging too far from the remote.
  • Introduce .gitignore briefly (will be covered more in Material 3).

7. Q&A Buffer (10 min)

  • Open floor for questions.
  • Help anyone who fell behind.

Exercise File

See Session 1 — Exercises for the detailed student tasks.