Connecting Git with Personal Access Tokens | 02x00.04-02

What is Source Code Management?

Source Code Management (SCM) is the practice of tracking and managing changes to code throughout its lifecycle. It helps teams collaborate effectively on software projects by providing version control and workflow management.

What is Git?

Git is a distributed version control system designed to handle everything from small to very large projects with speed and efficiency. It allows multiple developers to work on the same codebase simultaneously and tracks changes made to files.

What is GitHub?

GitHub is a web-based platform built around Git, providing hosting for software development version control using Git. It adds additional features like collaboration tools, code review, issue tracking, and project management.

Why Use Personal Access Tokens (PATs)?

Personal Access Tokens (PATs) act as secure alternatives to passwords when accessing GitHub via the command line or third-party applications. They offer enhanced security and convenience in your Git workflow.

Generating a Personal Access Token

1. Access GitHub Settings:
• Log in to your GitHub account.
• Go to Settings > Developer settings > Personal access tokens.
2. Generate a New Token:
• Click on Generate new token.
• Add a note and select scopes (permissions).
• Click Generate token.
• Copy and securely store the token.

Using Personal Access Tokens

To use a PAT:

git remote set-url origin https://<your-token>@github.com/<username>/<repository>

Replace

<your-token>

with your PAT and

<username>/<repository>

with your GitHub username and repository name. Then, use

git push -u origin main

to push changes.

Conclusion

Integrating Personal Access Tokens into your Git workflow simplifies authentication and enhances security. Start using PATs today to streamline your development process on GitHub.

Further Reading

• Git Documentation
• GitHub Guides
• Atlassian Git Tutorials