Thinking in Versions
In which you get a deep dive into the mental models used by Git and other version control tools, and why version control is better than all those design-final-final-REALFINAL.psd files you have laying around.
“You can’t succeed in the modern tech industry without understanding Git workflows. Thankfully, now there’s a guide that makes Git genuinely accessible—and this is it.”
Git is infuriating, but don't worry — this book will help you make sense of it. From common version-tracking tasks to navigating merge conflicts, learn how to wield Git for collaboration on any digital project.
Get a handle on Git as veteran web developer David Demaree guides you through the command-line workflow, the nuances of repositories and branches, the elements of a solid commit message, and more. Pick up common version-tracking tasks, along with advice on trickier scenarios. You’ll learn how to put Git to work for you, and work better with your clients, teams, and the open-source community.
How to git the book
eBook
- Amazon Kindle
- Apple Books
- Bookshop.org
- IngramSpark
Questions about availability? Email [email protected]
Coming in fall 2024 - a major new update!
On the whole, Git for Humans has held up pretty well for a now eight-year-old book — the core workflows and concepts are the same in 2024 as they were in 2016. But a few things have changed with the times, and now — finally — the book will be changing with them.
The revised edition will launch as a web-based book, with DRM-free ePub downloads available, right here at this domain later this year.
Sign up below to be one of the first to hear when Git for Humans 2.0 is ready to read!
What's in the book
Git Basics
In which you learn Git’s most essential commands and workflows,especially for working with its fundamental building block—the commit.
Branches
In which you learn what it means to work on everything everywhere all at once, using branches to cleanly separate different tracks of work within the same project.
Remotes
In which you take your Git repo to infinity—or, at least, GitHub—and beyond, learning about syncing workflows so you can collaborate like a pro.
History
In which you learn how to manipulate time—or, more specifically, how to manage and best use Git’s powerful version-history features, from writing great commit messages to making your way home from the dreaded detached HEAD state.
…and more!
A command reference, pointers to some of the Web’s most interesting and unusual uses of Git, where you can host Git repos other than GitHub
Nice words about Git for Humans
You can’t succeed in the modern tech industry without understanding Git workflows. Thankfully, now there’s a guide that makes Git genuinely accessible—and this is it. It’s wonderful to see the power of Git expressed in clear, straightforward terms. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who works in technology.
Paul Ford
Co-founder/CEO of Aboard and author of _What is Code?_
Even if you’re very comfortable working with code, Git is a concept that can take a few days just to get used to. In Git for Humans, David’s easygoing tone reduces the learning curve. He explains the ins and outs of Git (and the command line) in a swift and comprehensive read. If you haven’t used Git (or if you have), this book is essential to really understanding it.
Naz Hamid
Web designer, principal at Weightshift
Git for Humans isn’t simply a Git reference; it shows us how to use Git thoughtfully. From the mechanics of commands to the oft-overlooked details of writing clear and useful commit messages, David helps us understand how and why using Git will make our jobs easier.
Elizabeth Galle
Product manager, Adobe Fonts
Whether you’re a beginner or you’ve used Git for a while, this book is for you. With ease, David explains everything from what’s happening under the hood to command-line prompts. You’ll learn new things about Git and firm up the knowledge you already have.
Susan Robertson
Frontend developer and writer
About the author
David Demaree is a veteran web designer/developer, Big Tech product manager, and the founder/CEO of Bits & Letters, a tiny agency focused on building great experiences using web standards.
At the time Git for Humans was originally published in 2016, David was a senior product manager on the Adobe Typekit team (now Adobe Fonts), having previously served as a lead engineer, and before Typekit had worked on design and engineering projects for Gannett, Disney/ABC, and MTV Networks, among many other clients.
Since then, David has made a name for himself as a product leader for some of the biggest names in tech, working on Material Design and Google Fonts at Google, contributing to the first release of Stripe Apps at Stripe, and launching expanded CSS support at Webflow.
In addition to publishing Git for Humans, David has spoken at design and product events in the U.S. and internationally, including giving the opening keynote at Web Directions Product 2019 in Melbourne, and has been a guest on podcasts including Swarmia’s Engineering Unblocked, the Responsive Design Podcast, and User Defenders.
David lives in suburban New Jersey with his wife, daughter, French bulldog, and a room full of mechanical keyboards.