Introduction to version control with Git

This workshop introduces Git for version control. Version control enables researchers to track changes to code and other files while also enabling greater collaboration. Changes to files are 'committed' to a local repository, and older commits can easily be recovered if needed. Repositories can also be hosted on platforms such as GitHub, so that teams of people can contribute at the same time, all while handling conflicting changes. Participants will receive hands-on experience using GitHub for collaborating on a shared project. No programming experience is required, but participants would benefit from prior exposure to a command line environment.

This workshop is a collaboration between the University of Auckland, University of Otago, and Research Education Advanced Network New Zealand (REANNZ).

Dates for 2026:

• Thursday 29 October, 10am-3pm

Attendees will be able to:

• Understand the basics of automated version control systems, and the benefits of using them.
• Use the modify-add-commit cycle in Git to track changes to one or more files.
• Push and pull changes to/from a remote repository, and explain why remote repositories are useful for research.
• Resolve conflicting changes and understand common scenarios where they may occur.

• See the online workshop curriculum.
• Researchers and postdoctoral students are encouraged to engage with their peers by joining Hacky Hour to post questions and exchange ideas.

Research Data Support Services
Email: researchdata@auckland.ac.nz

Laura Armstrong
eResearch Engagement Lead
Email: Laura Armstrong