Creating a New Git Repository using PowerShell

For this example, I will use the directory git and the subdirectory ‘portfolio’, which will become my new repository on GitLab.

Creating Directory and Subdirectory#

New-Item -Path '.\Git\Portfolio' -ItemType Directory

List directories

ls

Will show the following output:

Mode                 LastWriteTime         Length Name
----                 -------------         ------ ----
d-----         2/22/2024  10:18 AM                Portfolio

Convert Portfolio into a Repository#

1. Change directories

cd Portfolio

2. Initiate project

git init

A .git folder is created in the directory that contains Git records and configuration files. To ensure that your repository works as intended to not edit these files.

Mode                 LastWriteTime         Length Name
----                 -------------         ------ ----
d--h--         2/22/2024  10:57 AM                .git

Add a remote#

Adding a remote will tell Git that your new remote repository is tied to the portfolio folder.

git remote add origin git@gitlab.com:ellopunk/portfolio.git

Create README file#

Though you can create any file or any amount of files to initiate your repository, the best practice is to create a README.md file. The README.MD file should provide essential information that helps others understand the project in it, how to use it, and how to contribute to the project if you accept contributions.

New-Item README.md

Prepare for First Commit#

1. add README.md file.

 git add README.md

git add moves changes from the working directory to the staging area and tells Git which modifications (added, modified, deleted files) you want to include in your next commit.

2. Commit Files

 git commit -S -m "Initializing Project"

git commit takes the added files and creates a new commit representing the changes in the repository’s history.

-m Every commit requires a commit message; write meaningful commit messages that communicate the intent of the changes.

-S will prompt you to sign your commit. For additional information see Setting up GPG Keys with Powershell

3. Push Files

git push --set-upstream origin master

git push uploads local repository content to a remote repository.

--set-upstream origin master Sets the default upstream (remote) branch for the current local branch.

origin: This specifies the remote repository where you’re pushing your changes.

master: This specifies the branch you’re pushing to on the remote repository.

4. Celebrate

Congratulations! Your project is ready; you can confirm visually by visiting your GitLab page.