Creating a New Git Repository Using PowerShell

For this example, the directory git and subdirectory portfolio will be used — portfolio will become the new repository.

Create the Directory

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

ⓘ

Some individuals use the -Force flag to ensure that both directories are created if they don't already exist. This has not been necessary in practice, so it is not included here.

Confirm with ls:

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

Initialize the Repository

Change into the directory:
```
cd Portfolio
```

Initialize the repository:

git init

A .git folder is created containing Git's records and configuration files. Do not edit these files manually.

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

Add a Remote

Adding a remote tells Git that your new remote repository is tied to this local folder.

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

Create a README File

The best practice is to start with a README.md file. It should provide essential information about the project — what it is, how to use it, and how to contribute.

New-Item README.md

First Commit and Push

Stage the file:
```
git add README.md
```
git add moves changes from the working directory to the staging area, telling Git which modifications to include in the next commit.
Commit:
```
git commit -S -m "Initializing Project"
```
- -m — every commit requires a message; write something that communicates the intent of the changes.
- -S — signs the commit with your GPG key. See Signing Git Commits Using PowerShell.
Push:
```
git push --set-upstream origin master
```
- git push — uploads local repository content to a remote repository.
- --set-upstream — sets the default upstream branch for the current local branch.
- origin — the remote repository to push to.
- master — the branch on the remote to push to.
ⓘ
main and other names are now commonly used as the default branch to move away from the master/slave terminology.

Your project is ready. Confirm by visiting your GitLab (or GitHub) page.