How to add an existing project to GIT?

By Vikram SharmaAug 24, 2023

Min Read1Comment

I have come across this problem more times than I would like to admit when I am looking for “How to add an existing project to GIT” because I have a project which I have started working on but is not in GIT and now I need to recall the steps to add it.

If you are in the same boat this is definitely the blog you were looking for.

Steps to Add your Project to GIT

The steps are simple and the task gets too easy with this.

Step 1: Create a GIT repository project in your GITHUB account or your own GITLAB/GIT environment. Let’s create it without a README.MD file.

Step 2: Copy the HTTPS URL for your repository. For me the URL is

https://github.com/v13s/healthLine.git

Step 3: Next, get to the command line and go to your project directory.

Now, a GIT repository has a local and a remote repository. Let’s get started with the local first since you already have your project ready.

Step 4: In your project directory, initialize your local GIT Repository.

git init -b main

Step 5: Now that we have your local repository ready, now let’s connect it to the remote repository. The general convention is to name the connection as ‘origin’ and we will do it that way. However, you are free to choose your connection name as you please.

git remote add origin https://github.com/v13s/healthLine.git

Step 6 (Optional): Check the connections.

git remote -v

Your result should look something like this.

origin https://github.com/v13s/healthLine.git (fetch)
origin https://github.com/v13s/healthLine.git (push)

Step 7: Now that you are ready with your connection, let’s Stage the changes. This would mark all the changes/files previously unstaged as ‘Staged’.

git add .

Step 8: Once Staged, the next step would be to commit those changes to the local repository. It is mandatory to add message or remarks for your commit.

git commit -m "initial commit"

Optionally you can sign off the changes too using the ‘-s’ flag.

git commit -s -m "initial commit"

Step 9: Final step would be to push your changes to the remote repository


git push origin main

And Voila!!

Shoutout to Roman Synkevych for the featured image.

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git github how to tips and tricks troubleshooting

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Vikram Sharma

is a seasoned tech professional serving as the Blockchain Practice Leader and Senior Solutions Architect at HCLTech. With over 17 years of rich experience catering to global clientele, Vikram specializes in cutting-edge technologies including Web3, Blockchain, GenAI, AI/ML, Enterprise Content Management, Business Process Management, Virtual Assistants, and Chatbots.He holds the esteemed position of Co-Chair at the Hyperledger India Chapter, actively shaping the discourse around blockchain technology in the country. Vikram is not only a proficient architect and consultant but also a prominent figure in the tech community. He has graced numerous industry forums as a speaker, sharing his insights and expertise. Vikram is celebrated as a thought leader and tech evangelist, continually pushing the boundaries of innovation in the digital landscape. LinkedIn Twitter https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikramsharma13/