Mariot Tsitoara’s Beginning Git and GitHub is a comprehensive guide tailored for new developers who want to master version control through practical, step-by-step tutorials. This updated edition introduces readers to GitHub workflows and includes new chapters on customizing Git and GitHub, resolving common problems, and exploring the latest features of GitHub pull requests.

The book is divided into four parts. Part 1, “Version Control with Git,≵ covers version control systems, installation and setup, getting started with Git, in-depth Git functionalities, best practices for commits, and remote Git operations. Part 2, “Project Management with GitHub,” includes an introduction to GitHub, a quick-start guide, the basics of project management through issues, advanced project management with branches, and the effective use of pull requests for better project management. Part 3, “Teamwork with Git,” is about understanding and resolving merge conflicts, advanced conflict resolution techniques, utilizing Git graphical user interface (GUI) tools, and advanced Git functionalities. Part 4, “More with GitHub,” explores advanced features of GitHub, common Git problems and their solutions, Git and GitHub workflow strategies, and customizing Git with aliases.

The book provides easy-to-follow tutorials that guide new developers through the fundamentals of Git and GitHub, ensuring a solid understanding of version control systems. Practical examples and scenarios help readers apply Git and GitHub concepts to real-world projects, preparing them for professional environments. Beyond technical aspects, the book delves into project management and teamwork, offering a holistic view of how Git and GitHub are used in a professional setting. It also addresses common problems developers face with Git, providing proven tactics and strategies to efficiently overcome these issues.

The book has many strengths:

• Its hands-on tutorials and real-world examples make it highly practical and accessible for new developers. This approach helps readers to quickly grasp and apply concepts in their projects.
• Covering not only the basics of Git but also advanced features and GitHub workflows, the book ensures a thorough understanding of both tools. The inclusion of project management and teamwork aspects adds significant value.
• The step-by-step instructions, clear explanations, and focus on common pitfalls and solutions make the book user-friendly. It’s designed to build confidence in new developers, guiding them from basic to advanced levels.
• Chapter 20, “Making Git Yours with Aliases,” is particularly useful for readers who want to tailor Git to their workflow, to enhance productivity and efficiency.

It also has a few weaknesses:

• While the book covers advanced Git functionalities and conflict resolution, some readers might find that these sections lack the depth and complexity required for very advanced use cases. Supplementary materials or references to more in-depth resources could be beneficial.
• Although the book is praised for including nontechnical topics, further expansion on these areas could provide a more balanced perspective. For example, discussing the cultural aspects of teamwork and collaboration in open-source projects might enrich the content.
• The book could benefit from more visual aids, such as flowcharts, diagrams, and screenshots, especially in sections explaining complex workflows or resolving conflicts. These visual elements would enhance the reader’s understanding and retention of the material.

Beginning Git and GitHub is a highly valuable resource for new developers seeking to master version control and GitHub workflows. Its practical approach, comprehensive coverage, and focus on real-world applications make it an excellent starting point. While there is room for deeper exploration of advanced topics and more visual aids, the book successfully equips readers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively use Git and GitHub in professional environments. A similar book for interested readers is Tsitoara’s first edition, Beginning Git and GitHub: a comprehensive guide to version control, project management, and teamwork for the new developer [1].