Git basics
Git tracks changes to your code so you can undo mistakes and collaborate.
git init
git add .
git commit -m "Add todo API"
git branch feature-login
git checkout feature-login
git push origin mainCreate an account on GitHub and push your projects there. Recruiters look at your repositories.
Good habits:
- Commit small, often, with clear messages.
- Use branches for new features.
- Add a
.gitignoreso secrets andnode_modulesare not uploaded.
Environment variables
Keep secrets out of your code.
# .env (never commit this file)
DB_HOST=localhost
DB_PASSWORD=secretDeployment options
| Type | Use for |
|---|---|
| Static hosting | Pure front-end sites |
| Managed platforms | Node.js or Python apps with less setup |
| VPS | Full control for any stack, including PHP and Go |
| Shared hosting | PHP and WordPress sites |
Whichever you choose, use HTTPS, set environment variables on the server and keep a backup of the database.
Your first project: Task Manager
- Plan: users can register, log in and manage their tasks.
- Design: sketch three screens and write the database tables.
- Build the API: register, login, list, create, update and delete tasks.
- Build the front end: forms, list, loading and error states.
- Secure it: hashed passwords, validation, per-user data.
- Deploy it: a live URL.
- Document it: README with screenshots, features, tech stack and setup steps.
Making it portfolio-ready
- A short demo video or screenshots
- A live link and a GitHub link
- A paragraph on one hard problem you solved
Next steps
Take an interview-style approach: explain your project in two minutes. See our interview questions and project ideas sections to keep building.