Where to Find the Best Online Git Courses, Classes, and Training

Git is a popular version control system that you might have heard of and are interested in learning. Git is the industry standard source control tool, which is part of what makes it such a valuable item on your resume. There are a variety of online Git courses, classes, and training programs to choose from. 

In this article, you’ll learn about some of the best online training courses for learning Git. When choosing which course option is best for you, it’s important to consider its length of time, cost, focus, and format. Additionally, some courses offer certificates, while others don’t. 

What Is Git?

Git is a free and open source version control system. It is the standard source control software for developers, and it is the most widely used tool of its kind in the tech industry. It’s used to track changes made to source code and can handle projects of any size, quickly and efficiently. It’s also very useful for professional collaboration in a code review context.

Why Online Git Courses Are Important for Professional Development

Online Git courses equip developers with a valuable set of skills, which can be used for career or education advancement. Pursuing an online Git course is also a great way for anyone without industry experience or any previous knowledge to develop the necessary skills to enter the workplace.

Should You Attend a Coding Bootcamp to Learn Git?

Attending a coding bootcamp is an excellent way to begin your educational journey. Although extensive coding experience isn’t necessary to enroll in an online Git program, it does provide you with what you need to use Git to its fullest potential. Additionally, Git is so widely used that is almost a programming skill unto itself, a virtual prerequisite for getting a job in coding.

Overview: The Best Online Git Courses, Classes, or Training

Online Git courses are an excellent way to quickly and efficiently gain industry-standard skills. The list of courses, classes, and training programs below are all offered online and are some of the best to consider. When choosing a program to enroll in, it’s helpful to compare prices, course lengths, and certificate options. 

In Detail: The Best Online Git Classes, Courses, or Training

Learn Git | Codecademy

• Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training 
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Git workflow, Git branching, Git teamwork, backtracking in Git

This course introduces Git beginners to its most critical concepts. It covers the basic Git workflow, backtracking in Git, Git branching, and how to collaborate on open source projects in Git. It also includes three hands-on projects and three quizzes. Throughout the course, students will gain valuable Git skills and develop projects for their professional portfolios. 

By the end of the course, students will have learned how to initialize a Git repository, display differences with Git diff, commit a code, backtrack in Git, create a new branch, merge conflicts, merge branches, clone a remote repository, fetch remote origin changes, and merge fetched changes. 

Key Takeaway: This course is designed for beginners without Git experience. Within 10 hours, students will have enough conceptual understanding to work on the projects and complete the associated quizzes.  

Introduction to Git and GitHub | Coursera

• Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Version control systems, reverting changes, creating pull requests 

This introductory course is facilitated by Coursera and offered by Google. It’s the third course in a six-course professional certificate program, and it focuses on Git and GitHub fundamentals.  Students will learn how to use and interact with GitHub, understand the role of version control in coding and collaboration, and collaborate through remote repositories. 

Coursera offers a free and paid version of this course. The free version allows students to audit the course through course videos and readings, but restricts access to graded quizzes and assignments, and does not include the certificate of completion. The paid version includes everything. 

Key Takeaway: As Google is one of the most popular and reputable names in the industry, students who enroll in this course can use the shareable certificate to enhance their resumes and impress employers. 

Using Git for Distributed Development | Coursera

• Learning Format: Full course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Git, Git installation, working with Git, working with other developers

This beginner course is facilitated by Coursera and offered by The Linux Foundation. This is the fourth and final course in a four-course specialization. Throughout the course, students will gain an understanding of Git workflows, how to identify problems in the workflow, and how to provide solutions.

Upon completion, students will have learned how to install Git, initialize a repository, make changes to the repository, accept changes made by others, and make commits, diffs, merges, and rebases. Students are given flexible learning options, and are awarded a shareable certificate. 

Key Takeaway: This beginner course is the fourth and final course in a Coursera specialization. Students who wish to complete the full specialization can gain access to the other courses through a Coursera subscription. 

Version Control with Git | Coursera

• Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Version control, GitHub, Bitbucket, command-line interface, branch workflows

This course is facilitated by Coursera and offered by Atlassian University. It’s designed to give beginners a hands-on foundation in Git. The course uses Bitbucket for remote Git repositories, which is free for teams with five or fewer members. 

Atlassian University provides two learning paths for this course. One path requires students to have experience using a command-line interface, and the other uses the Sourcetree graphical client. Upon completion, students with passing grades will earn a shareable certificate of completion. 

Key Takeaway: This course focuses on the fundamental concepts of source control using Git. Students who come into the course at a more advanced level of understanding can use the command-line to complete their coursework.

Introduction to Git | DataCamp

• Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Basic workflow, repositories, working with branches, collaboration

This DataCamp course is specially designed for data scientists and focuses on version control using Git. Throughout the course, students will learn how to commit changes selectively, restage files, restore files, undo changes, create and merge branches, switch between branches, and many other related topics. 

DataCamp offers a variety of subscription options. The free option allows students to access the first module and a limited amount of assessments, projects, and practice challenges. The paid subscriptions include over 350 courses, 12 career tracks, unlimited practice challenges, live code-alongs, mobile app courses and practice, and a community chat.

Key Takeaway: DataCamp offers a variety of resources to ensure students build a solid understanding of Git, including practice challenges, assessments, and hands-on projects. 

Git Essential Training: The Basics | LinkedIn Learning

• Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Version control, Git, Git concepts and architecture, Git workflow

The beginner course offered by LinkedIn Learning covers the basic structure and functionality of Git. You can buy the course or start a free one-month trial. Upon completion, students earn a shareable certificate of completion that can be added to their LinkedIn profiles and professional resumes.

Students learn about version control, installing Git, basic Git configuration, auto-completion, initializing a repository, and writing a commit message. Additional topics include Git architecture, unstaged files, amending commits, and removing untracked files. Towards the end of the course, students will have a chance to apply these critical skills using real-world projects. 

Key Takeaway: The course introduces students to the structure and functionality of Git, including basic commands, and confers a shareable certificate upon completion. 

Git Intermediate Techniques | LinkedIn Learning

• Learning Format: Class 
• Level: Intermediate
• Subjects Covered: Branch management, tagging, interactive staging, tracking down problems

In this class offered by LinkedIn, students will enhance their Git skills through learning intermediate techniques that will help them work more efficiently. Class participants will gain skills in Git, software engineering project management, and version control.

The topics covered include identifying merged branches, deleting local and remote branches, resolving cherry-picking conflicts, applying diff patches, creating and applying formatted patches, rebasing, and creating, deleting, and listing tags. 

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Key Takeaway: This class is ideal for intermediate learners who want to sharpen their skills in Git, software project management, and version control. Upon completion, you’ll earn a shareable certificate. 

Git Fundamentals | Pluralsight

• Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Git, repository statistics, Git protocols, merging branches

This course is designed to give students a strong foundation in Git. Students will learn the basic concepts of Git, including how to create a local repository, commit files, push changes to a remote repository, and fix errors in commits. They will also build solid knowledge in branching, merging, and rebasing.

The course covers topics like basic repository statistics, Git protocols, viewing commits, viewing branches and tags, creating and verifying tags, visualizing branches, creating local branches, renaming and deleting branches, and recovering deleted commits, among others. At the end of the program, students will have the skills necessary to become professionals in Git.

Key Takeaway: The online learning platform offers a 10-day free trial that is great for students on a budget to learn for free.

How Git Works | Pluralsight

• Learning Format: Full course 
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Introduction to Git, working locally with Git, using remote source repositories, branching, merging, rebasing

Pluralsight has designed this introductory course to equip beginners with basic Git concepts and skills. It covers an overview of Git, installing and configuring Git, creating a local repository, staging changes as multiple commits, cloning a remote repository, and a variety of other related topics.

Pluralsight provides a couple of different subscription options. For $299 a year, students have access to the core course library and skill assessments. For $449 a year, students have access to the entire library of core and expanded courses, as well as exams and hands-on projects. There’s also a free trial available for students who aren’t quite ready to buy a subscription plan. 

Key Takeaway: Pluralsight offers this beginner course for students who want to develop a well-rounded understanding of Git. Pluralsight offers students a plethora of guides, seminars, skills assessments, and exams on the website. 

A Beginner’s Introduction to Git and GitHub | Skillshare

• Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Git, command-line, Vim, and GitHub

This course introduces students to Git and GitHub. The course instructor familiarizes students with Git fundamentals, and aims to develop students’ Git skills through the 28 hands-on projects that have been incorporated into the course. 

Throughout this course, students will learn about setting up Git, the command-line interface, Git commands, Vim, splitting projects into chunks, organizing commits, the staging area, remote repositories, and GitHub. Students are required to participate in hands-on projects throughout.

Key Takeaway: This introductory course includes 28 projects and is ideal for students who want to get some Git working experience under their belts. 

Version Control with Git | Udacity

• Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Tagging, branching, merging, Git workflow, Git repositories, and terminology

This course teaches beginners the essential concepts and functions of Git. Students will learn how to create a new Git repository, commit changes, and review the commit history of an existing repo. They will also learn how to keep commits organized using tags and branches.

The topics covered in this course allow students to perform basic tasks, such as creating and copying Git repositories with Git init and Git clone, configuring Git using the command-line, customizing a Git log’s outpost using command-line flags, and several other essential skills.

Key Takeaway: This beginner course explores many essential Git concepts and functions. It’s a great option for students on a budget, as it’s offered totally free. 

Git Complete: The Definitive, Step-by-Step Guide to Git | Udemy

• Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Command-line, source control management, branching and merging, Git workflow, rebasing

This hands-on course enables beginners to understand the key concepts of the Git source control system and its functions. This course includes six hours of step-by-step instructions in the form of on-demand video, one article, two downloadable resources, full lifetime access, and a certificate of completion. 

Some of the topics covered include Git installation, Git quick start, text editor installation, basic Git commands, visual merging, comparisons, branching and merging, rebasing, and stashing. By the end of the program, students should be able to explain the entire Git workflow. 

Key Takeaway: This basic-level course equips students with Git knowledge and skills, in addition to providing plenty of productivity tips.

Git a Web Developer Job: Mastering the Modern Workflow | Udemy

• Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
• Level: Intermediate
• Subjects Covered: Git essentials, CSS architecture, Node.js, npm

This course is designed for program developers who want to take their modern programming skills to the next level. Included in this course are over 15 hours of on-demand video, 11 articles, 56 downloadable resources, lifetime access to the course content, and a certificate of completion. 

Course topics include Webpack essentials, CSS architecture, an intro to Node.js and npm, mobile-first essentials, JavaScript, building and deploying, Netlify, cloud functions, and many more related topics. Participants of this course should have a basic understanding of HTML and CSS. 

Key Takeaway: Students get a certificate of completion at the end of the program, which can be shared and added to their LinkedIn profiles as evidence of their skills.

The Complete Git Guide: Understand and Master Git and GitHub | Udemy

• Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Git, Shell Commands, Git Operations, and Git Branches

This comprehensive course is designed for learners of any skill level who want to know why and how Git works. It includes 23 hours of on-demand video, 20 articles, one downloadable resource, full lifetime access, and a certificate of completion.

Throughout the course, students will learn how to use Terminal, GitHub Desktop, Sourcetree, Git objects, and Visual Studio Code. They will also learn how to create local and remote Git repositories, perform basic and advanced Git operations, rebase and merge branches, and participate in advanced Git operations.

Key Takeaway: This course accommodates learners of all levels, even experienced programmers. It begins with basic Git concepts and functions before moving on to more advanced concepts. 

The Git & GitHub Bootcamp | Udemy

• Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Basics of Git, installation and setup, commits, working with branches, Git stashing, using Git diff, and collaboration workflows

This bootcamp covers the core concepts of Git and GitHub, and provides beginners with a solid, hands-on foundation. It includes 17 hours of on-demand video, 18 downloadable resources, full lifetime access, and a certificate of completion. Throughout the 17-hour course, students begin with a basic overview of Git, and eventually transition into more advanced topics. 

Some of the topics covered in this bootcamp include installation and setup, commits, merging branches, comparing changes with Git diff, the ins and outs of stashing, undoing changes, Git collaboration workflows, and rebasing. 

Key Takeaway: This is one of the highest-rated and most popular Git courses on the Udemy platform. It teaches beginners essential commands in Git and gives them hands-on experience. 

Online Git Classes, Training, or Courses: Which Is the Right Option?

Choosing an online Git program ultimately depends on your career path, budget, and schedule. Classes tend to be the most affordable and least time-consuming, but they cover the least amount of ground. Courses and training programs are typically more expensive and time-consuming, but they cover a broader range of topics and usually include certificates.  

How to Choose the Right Online Git Course, Class, or Training Program

First Factor: Cost of the Program

The cost of online Git courses varies widely. While some programs are totally free, other courses for programmers can cost up to thousands of dollars. As a result, it’s important to consider the cost throughout your search for the perfect online program.

Many program providers offer financial assistance through scholarships, grants, discounts, and payment plans, and some provide a free audit option. Additionally, many providers have special discounts and bundles for companies and teams. 

Second Factor: Learning Format

Some online courses are offered through live lectures, while others can be accessed through on-demand videos. If you prefer to study independently, you’ll want to look for online programs that offer a flexible learning format. If you prefer the traditional live classroom, there are plenty of course options that can deliver a simulated experience of that environment.

Most program providers offer multiple learning formats to accommodate a variety of learners. However, when choosing which program is best suited to your preferences and circumstances, you’ll want to be sure to compare the levels and types of flexibility offered.

Third Factor: Certificate of Completion

Most online Git programs include a certificate of completion. These certificates are really helpful in proving to employers that you’ve completed the online courses. You can even list these certificates on your resume as proof of having the skills required for Git-related jobs. 

If you’re learning Git for personal reasons, you might not care about the certificate and would not need to filter your options based on whether or not one is included. However, if you’re learning Git for professional reasons, you should filter out courses that don’t offer a certificate. 

Git Course Certificates vs Certifications

Certificates and certifications are often confused with one another. Certificates are typically awarded to students who complete an associated program, and are used as proof of program completion. Alternatively, certifications are earned through passing an associated exam, and are used to prove eligibility to work in a given field or industry.

Importance of Git Certifications

Git certifications are highly valuable because they prove to employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to work in coding roles. If you already work in the tech industry, earning a Git certification can help you advance your career.  

Why You Should Take Online Git Courses or Classes

Since Git is the industry standard for version control, having Git knowledge and skills is in high demand by employers in the tech industry. Whether you want to learn Git for personal or professional reasons, online courses offer a convenient and affordable way of doing so.   

Additionally, a Git course or class can advance your career and increase your salary. According to PayScale, the average salary of a software developer with Git skills is $70,139. If you aren’t sure that you’re ready to financially invest in learning Git, you can always enroll in a free course.