Sourcetree Checkout Command: A First-Time User's Struggle

When you're new to Sourcetree, checking your code in for the first time can be a daunting task. You've created a local repository and want to link it to a remote GitHub repository, but Sourcetree doesn't provide an intuitive way to do so. This article aims to guide you through the process of creating a seamless connection between your local and remote repositories using a single command.

The problem arises when you try to checkout the remote repository, pull the changes, rebase your local repository to it, and then commit the whole thing. But what about merging your local repository with the GitHub remote repository? The answer lies in understanding how Git works and how Sourcetree interacts with it.

To begin with, you need to create a new folder using Sourcetree and initialize it as a Git repository. This can be done by clicking on 'Create' and selecting 'Repository from local path.' Then, you'll be prompted to select the existing folder where your code resides. Once you've selected the folder, Sourcetree will initialize it as a Git repository.

The next step is to connect your local repository with the remote GitHub repository. You can do this by clicking on 'Clone' and selecting the remote repository from the list. This will clone the empty GitHub repository into an empty folder. However, you'll soon realize that you need to link your existing code in the 'MY EXISTING' folder with the remote repository.

To overcome this challenge, you can use a single command called `git init` to initialize the existing folder as a Git repository. This will allow you to commit and push your changes to the remote GitHub repository. The command is as follows:

```bash

cd existing_folder && git init && git add . && git commit -m 'Initial commit' && git remote add origin https://github.com/your-username/your-repo-name.git && git push -u origin master

```

This command initializes the folder, adds all changes, commits them, and links your local repository to the remote GitHub repository. Finally, you can push your changes to the remote repository.

In conclusion, Sourcetree checkout commands can be a bit confusing for first-time users. However, by understanding how Git works and using the right command, you can easily link your local and remote repositories and start collaborating with others on your project.

Scenario 1 Solution: Initialize the existing folder using `git init`, add all changes, commit them, and link the local repository to the remote GitHub repository using `git push`.

Scenario 2 Solution: Clone the empty GitHub repository into an empty folder, then use `git init` to initialize the 'MY EXISTING' folder as a Git repository and link it with the remote GitHub repository.