Install and configure git

Get git

Installers and instructions for all platforms are available at http://git-scm.com/downloads

Essential configuration

Though technically not required to install git and get it running, configure git so that you get credit for your contributions:

git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email you@yourdomain.example.com

Note

Use the same email address here that you used for setting up your GitHub account to save yourself a couple of steps later, when you connect your git to GitHub.

Check it with:

$ git config --list
user.name=Your Name
user.email=you@yourdomain.example.com
# ...likely followed by many other configuration values

Get a git GUI (optional)

There are several good, free graphical interfaces for git. Even if you are proficient with git at the command line a GUI can be useful.

Mac and Windows:

Linux, Mac and Windows:

There is a more extensive list of git GUIs, including non-free options, for all platforms.