Skip to content

GitHub Setup

GitHub is where the team's code lives. Every programmer on the team has their own account. Your commits carry your name, so the team can see who did what, and you build a real portfolio as you go.

1. Create your account

Skip to step 2 if you already have a GitHub account you plan to keep.

  1. Go to github.com/signup.
  2. Use an email address you will still have after you graduate. A personal email is better than a school email.
  3. Pick a username you would be happy to show a future employer. You will be typing it a lot.
  4. Choose the Free plan.

Pick a username you will keep

Your username shows up in branch names, commit history, and the team roster. firstname-lastname or a short handle you already use elsewhere both work well.

2. Turn on two-factor authentication

GitHub requires two-factor authentication (2FA) for anyone who contributes code.

  1. Click your profile picture, then Settings.
  2. Choose Password and authentication in the left menu.
  3. Under Two-factor authentication, click Enable and follow the steps. An authenticator app on your phone is the easiest option.
  4. Save your recovery codes somewhere safe. They get you back in if you lose your phone.

3. Join the team organization

The team's repositories belong to a GitHub organization. A mentor invites you.

  1. Tell your mentor your exact GitHub username.
  2. Watch for an invitation email from GitHub, or open the organization's page on GitHub. You will see a banner with the invitation.
  3. Click Accept invitation.

You will see: the organization appears under your profile picture in the Your organizations list.

4. Confirm you can see the bootcamp repository

Open the 2026-bootcamp repository. You should see its files and a green Code button. If you get a "404" page, you are not a member yet. Ask a mentor.

✅ Done when

  • You can sign in to GitHub.
  • 2FA is turned on.
  • The team organization shows in your organizations list.
  • You can open the bootcamp repository.