How to clone a GitHub repository

When cloning a GitHub repository you can choose either https or ssh. I will explain both methods:

• Add a git repository to your local project using HTTPS
• Add a git repository to your local project using SSH

Alt 1: Clone a GitHub repository with https

• Login to GitHub and open the repo you want to clone
• Press the “Code” button and choose HTTPS
• Copy the URL
• Open the terminal and navigate to the folder where you want the cloned repo
• Write “git clone” and paste the URL you copied

git clone https://github.com/username/reponame.git

Alt 2: Clone a GitHub repository using SSH

In order to use SSH you first have to exchange keys. If you haven't already, take a look at this post:

• Login to GitHub and open the repo you want to clone
• Press the “Code” button and choose SSH
• Copy the URL
• Open the terminal and navigate to the folder where you want the cloned repo
• Write “git clone” and paste the URL you copied

git clone git@github.com:username/reponame.git

You may get this warning:

The authenticity of host 'github.com (140.82.121.3)' can't be established.
RSA key fingerprint is ....
This key is not known by any other names
Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no/[fingerprint])?

Write yes and press enter.

List files to see if the repo was successfully added; "ls" on Linux, "dir" on Windows.