Use Git to Manage WordPress Projects Developed Locally on macOS

Git is a system for keeping track of changes in code. It’s particularly useful for collaboration (“Hello, world of fellow programmers!”) and reversion when a project’s source code has inadvertently ventured treacherously and irrevocably astray (fervently spamming CMD+Z is not always enough to re-establish baseline).

I obdurately refused to learn git for many years, because I am a doofus, and worked mostly solo on projects (verily to detriment). I recommend learning git, sharing code, and collaborating with others. Feedback is invaluable; you’ll get way better way faster than I did working this way.

Because I didn’t exactly hit the ground running, in terms of adapting git, I’ve typed out loose directions for personal reference—and for others whose interest is piqued and could use a guiding hand.

First: Initialize Git

1. Install Xcode command line tools:
   open new Terminal tab/window
   xcode-select --install (or xcode-select --reset) (see: link)
2. Go through seemingly pertinent GitHub setup guides: link
3. Generate SSH key (and add passphrase to keychain): link
4. Add SSH key to GitHub account: link

Second: Create Origin Repository

1. Visit: link
2. Choose repository name and public/private (skip other options)
3. Create repository
4. Leave succeeding page open (it lists helpful commands and SSH URL needed below)

Third: Initialize & Commit Remote Repository to Origin

1. Navigate to local, top-level project directory (e.g., WordPress theme or root):
   open new Terminal window/tab
   cd [Local Path] (drag folder from Finder to Terminal to get path)
2. Add remote repository:
   git init
git remote add origin git@github.com:[GitHub Username]/[Repository Name].git
3. (Pull remote repository:)
   git pull origin master (see: link)
4. Create .gitignore file to ignore files in repository:
   touch .gitignore
   edit w/ text editor (see: link for guidance w/ file contents)
5. Add files and commit changes:
   git add -A
git commit -am "[Message]" (e.g., git commit -am "first commit")
6. Push to remote repository:
   git push -u origin master

Misc. Maintenance

• View status:
  git status
• Remove .DS_Store:
  find . -name .DS_Store -print0 | xargs -0 git rm -f --ignore-unmatch (see: link)
  git add -A
git commit -am "delete .DS_Store"
• Remove remote repository:
  rm -rf .git
rm .gitignore