🧾 Initialize a Git Repository

git init

Creates a new local Git repository in the current folder.
This adds a hidden .git/ directory where Git stores all version history, configuration, and tracking info.

Initialize in a New Folder

mkdir my-project && cd my-project
git init

When to use:
Starting a project from scratch.

Initialize with a Specific Branch Name

git init --initial-branch=main

When to use:
If you want main instead of master as the default branch name (or any custom name).

Initialize a Bare Repository

git init --bare

When to use:
For a central/shared repo that won’t have a working directory — often used on servers for collaboration.

Initialize in an Existing Project Folder

cd existing-project
git init

When to use:
If you already have files and want to start tracking them in Git.
After initializing:

git add .
git commit -m "Initial commit"

:bangbang:Pro Tip
You can run git status right after git init to confirm your repo is ready.

:bangbang: :warning:Important
Running git init inside an existing Git repo will reinitialize it, which may cause confusion or overwrite config. Use with caution.