## How to use GitHub as version control for RStudio and as an add-on in OSF
Author: [Joss Ives][1]
Sources: [1][2], [2][3]
## Software
First you need to install the following software:
* R: [https://cran.r-project.org/mirrors.html][4]
* RStudio: [https://www.rstudio.com/products/rstudio/download/#download][5]
* Git: [https://git-scm.com/downloads][6]
You will also need to have a GitHub account:
* [https://github.com/][7]
## Setup Git on RStudio and associate with GitHub
In RStudio, choose *Tools => Global Options* and then choose the *Git/SVN* tab.
Double-check that the *Git Executable* points correctly to the executable.
@[osf](fmvha)
Now we create an RSA key in RStudio and provide it to GitHub.
First, click on the *Create RSA Key* button. In the popup window click on *Create* (no need for a passphrase). In the next popup window click on *Close*.
@[osf](85wur)
Back in the original window, click on *View public key* and then copy the key to the clipboard.
@[osf](epzmh)
We will now enter the key on GitHub.
Over on GitHub, go into *Settings*.
@[osf](764er)
Click on *SSH and GPG keys* and the *New SSH Key* button.
Choose a *Title* and paste the key into the *Key* box. Then click on *Add SSH Key*. You will likely be prompted to enter your GitHub password.
@[osf](aqr6j)
## Give Git on your computer your GitHub credentials
Open a command window (Windows key and then type *cmd*) and then enter your GitHub email and username:
```
git config --global user.email "tipsy@mcswagger.com"
git config --global user.name "jossives"
```
## Make a repository on GitHub and then create a new RStudio project from this repository
Make a new repository on GitHub.
@[osf](hn6mp)
Name your repository (*osf-rstudio-github-test* if you like) and then check the *Initialze the repository with a README* checkbox (GitHub will suggest strongly to you that you need one after the fact so you may as well do it now).
@[osf](7dp9b)
Head on back to Rstudio and start a new project: *File => New Project*.
In the popup window choose *Version Control* to associate the new project with your just-created repository on GitHub.
@[osf](8w4fy)
On the next screen, choose *Git*.
On the screen that follows you, enter the URL for your previously-created GitHub repository (it is likely the GitHub page your browser is currently on). Then click *Browse* and choose where on you local machine you would like this new project to be saved to.
@[osf](5bkx8)
## Commit and push your first changes
In RStudio you should now see that you have 3 files in your active directory in the *Files/Plots* panel. We are going to commit to Git and then push to GitHub the files that are new since we first created the repository.
Click on the *Git* tab in the *Environment/History* panel and check the boxes for all of the files showing. Then press the *Commit* button. These files are all ones that have changed since the last commit to Git.
@[osf](xpc5w)
In the popup window, type an initial commit message and then click the *Commit* button. Close the popup windows.
@[osf](v85x2)
Finally, push the committed changes to GitHub by clicking the *Push* button (with a green up-arrow) in the *Git* tab in the *Environment/History* panel.
@[osf](gpu32)
## Create a new file (notebook) in RStudio and then *Commit* and *Push* the changes
Create a new notebook.
@[osf](75f6m)
Save the notebook as *notebook-test* (or whatever you like).
In the *Git* tab of the *Environment/History* panel, you will find the files associated with the notebook. *Commit* and *push* these new/updated files.
@[osf](rfbz5)
After you *push* the commited changes, you will see them on GitHub.
@[osf](atyx5)
[1]: http://osf.io/ntqkw
[2]: https://www.r-bloggers.com/rstudio-and-github/
[3]: https://support.rstudio.com/hc/en-us/articles/200532077-Version-Control-with-Git-and-SVN
[4]: https://cran.r-project.org/mirrors.html
[5]: https://www.rstudio.com/products/rstudio/download/#download
[6]: https://git-scm.com/downloads
[7]: https://github.com/
