Python Programming MOOC 2025
Part 7

Getting Started with GitHub

What is GitHub?

GitHub is a web-based platform that serves as a powerful tool for programmers and developers. It acts as a central hub for storing, managing, and collaborating on code. One of GitHub’s core features is version control, which allows you to track changes in your code, revert to previous versions, and collaborate seamlessly with others.

Think of GitHub as a shared workspace for coding projects. It enables individuals and teams to upload, organize, and manage their code efficiently. GitHub plays a significant role in open-source development, allowing developers worldwide to contribute to and improve software together.

If you are new to the concept of version control, please watch the introductory video below (approximately 7 minutes) to understand its importance.

GitHub in This Course

GitHub is the version control tool we will use throughout this course. To get started, watch the introductory video below (approximately 8 minutes), which will walk you through the basics of using GitHub.

Getting Started with GitHub

Once you have familiarized yourself with the basics, follow these steps:

1. Sign up for a GitHub account

If you already have a GitHub account, you can sign in and if you don't have one, you can create a new GitHub account by following the instructions below:

  1. Go to GitHub Sign up Page
  2. Fill in the Sign Up form.
  3. Verify your Email address. GitHub will send a verification email to the email address you provided. Go to your email inbox, find the email from GitHub, and click the verification link.

Congratulations! Once your email is verified, your account is ready. You can now start using GitHub to create repositories, contribute to projects and collaborate with others.

2. Link your Laurea Email

Using your Laurea email gives you access to additional paid features like GitHub Codespaces and GitHub Copilot for free.

You are required to link your school email to your personal GitHub account. Please follow the instructions below:

  1. Login to GitHub using your personal account.
  2. Once logged in, go to your GitHub account settings.
  3. In the left sidebar of the Settings page, click on "Emails."
  4. In the "Primary email address" section, you should see your personal email address associated with your account. Below that, you can click on the "Add email address" button to add your school email address.
  5. GitHub will send a verification email to your school email address. Check your school inbox, open the email, and click on the verification link provided.

Now, you'll have both your personal email and school email associated with your GitHub account. You can choose which email to use when making commits or changes.

3. Check if your GitHub Student Developer Pack is activated

To see if your Student Pack is active:

  • Go to GitHub Education.
  • Click Get your pack and sign in if needed.
  • If your Student Pack is active, you’ll see "You have the GitHub Student Developer Pack" on the page.

3. Activate the GitHub Student Developer Pack (if not already activated)

If you don’t have access yet, follow these steps:

  • Go to GitHub Student Developer Pack.
  • Click "Get the Pack" and sign in.
  • Select "Student" as your status.
  • Enter your Laurea email address (ending in .laurea.fi).
  • Provide proof of your student status (such as a school email or an uploaded student ID).
  • Submit the request and wait for approval (typically within a few days).

4. What Happens When the GitHub Student Developer Pack is Activated?

Once activated, you get free access to premium GitHub tools and services, including:

  • GitHub Copilot – AI-powered coding assistant
  • GitHub Codespaces – Cloud-based development environment
  • Private Repositories – Create unlimited private repositories
  • GitHub Actions – Automate workflows with free CI/CD minutes
  • Access to additional developer tools like JetBrains, Replit, Namecheap, and more

5. Hands-on Experience: Learn GitHub by Doing

To practice GitHub in a guided, interactive way, complete the GitHub Skills: Introduction to GitHub course:

🔗 GitHub Skills: Introduction to GitHub

You have reached the end of this section! Continue to the next section:
2. Integrating GitHub with VS Code

You can check your current points from the blue blob in the bottom-right corner of the page.