As an aspiring software developer, one of the first things you’ll need to do is develop a presence on the internet. Building a professional online profile, particularly on a site like Github, can help you find opportunities, connect with other developers, and even land your first job.

It might seem intimidating at first — after all, GitHub is mainly used by programmers who are working on code together. But don’t let that scare you off; if you have any interest in becoming a software developer but aren’t sure where to start, learning how to use Github could be the perfect place for you to begin.

What Is Github?

Github is a platform used by software developers to collaborate on projects together. In simple terms, it is a social network for developers. If you’re interested in becoming a software developer, Github will likely become one of your go-to sites. That’s because most tech companies use it as a way to store code, as do many freelancers.

Everyone uses Github, which means that if you’re looking to connect with other developers, it’s a great place to start. You’ll be able to see what types of projects other developers are working on, and even find new team members for your projects.

How to Use Github

There are a few ways to use Github — whether you’re a beginner or more experienced. If you’re just starting out, the best way to understand how to use Github is to start with the basics. If you’re a seasoned developer, you might want to check out some of the advanced features. Github's main feature for beginners is the ability to view and manage code. You can create or join a team, create a new project, or find an existing project to contribute to.

Once you’ve found a project to contribute to, you can fork the repository, which means you’ve created a copy of it to work on. As you make changes, you’ll be able to track the progress of the project in your own private sandbox. Once your code is ready, you can submit a pull request back to the original repository.

Why is Having a Professional Github Profile Important?

There are many tools that developers use to find work opportunities and collaborate with other developers, but nothing is more prominent than Github. Having a professional profile on this site can help you make connections and find work — even if you haven’t technically started a career yet.

A Github profile is similar to a resume, but it’s also much more than that. You can use it to show off what you’ve worked on, as well as outline your skills. When potential employers or clients look at your profile, they’ll be able to see what you’re capable of.

Your Github profile can also help you get your foot in the door with open-source projects. While all of this information is helpful to have if you’re already employed, it’s especially valuable if you’re just getting started.

Creating a profile on Github can help you connect with other developers, which can lead to opportunities that might not be available to you otherwise.

How to Build an Effective GitHub Profile

As you’re building your profile on Github, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The first is the name of your profile — it should be clear and descriptive, without being too long. In fact, it’s recommended that you keep the name under 16 characters.

The next thing you’ll want to do is create a short, but thorough description of your skills and experience. This can help potential employers and clients get a sense of what you’ve worked on and where your interests lie.

Finally, you’ll want to fill out your profile picture and website. While these aren’t crucial to your profile, they can help you stand out. Plus, you don’t need to spend a lot of time or money on them — a simple LinkedIn picture will do just fine.

Bottom line

Learning how to use Github can be a great way to start a career in software development, but it can also prove helpful to anyone who needs to collaborate with other developers online. Creating a professional profile is important, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the industry for years.

Even though Github is a social network, it’s important to be professional. People are much more likely to click on your profile and consider working with you if it’s well put together.

Now that you know a little more about Github, why it’s important, and how to use it, it’s time to get started. Building a professional profile on Github will take time, but it’s an investment that will pay off in the long run.