Pro Git
FreeThe official Git book, free and comprehensive
FreeFree tier
About Pro Git
The Pro Git book, written by Scott Chacon and Ben Straub and published by Apress, is the official guide to the Git version control system. Available online for free under the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 license, it covers everything from Git basics and branching to distributed workflows, GitHub, advanced tools, and internals. The content has been updated with corrections and additions from hundreds of contributors, and print versions can be purchased on Amazon. The book serves as both a comprehensive tutorial for beginners and a reference for experienced developers.
Key Features
Comprehensive coverage from Git basics to internals (10 chapters plus appendices)
Written by Git experts Scott Chacon and Ben Straub
Free online access with multiple ebook formats available for download
Print edition available on Amazon
Open source license (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) allows sharing and modification
Community-maintained with corrections and additions via GitHub
Includes sections on GitHub, customizing Git, and Git in various environments
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive and authoritative content from core Git developers
- Completely free to read and distribute online
- Covers both basic and advanced topics in depth
- Regularly updated with community contributions via GitHub
- Available in multiple formats (ebook, print, online HTML)
- Open source license encourages reuse and improvement
Cons
- Originally published in 2014, some examples may reference older Git versions
- Assumes basic command line familiarity; not ideal for absolute programming beginners
- Lengthy and dense; may be overwhelming for casual learners
- Print version is not free (must be purchased on Amazon)
Best For
Learning Git from scratch as a beginnerReference guide for daily Git tasksTeaching Git courses or workshopsUnderstanding Git internals and distributed workflowsMigrating projects from other version control systems to GitExploring advanced Git features like rebasing, submodules, and hooks
FAQ
Is the Pro Git book free?
Yes, the entire Pro Git book is available online for free under the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 license.
Can I download the ebook?
Yes, the website provides downloadable versions in various formats (e.g., PDF, EPUB, MOBI) through the ebook download links.
Who wrote the Pro Git book?
The book was written by Scott Chacon and Ben Straub, and published by Apress.
How can I contribute or report errors?
Patches and issues are welcome in the book's GitHub repository. The book has been updated with corrections from hundreds of contributors.
Where can I buy a print version?
Print versions of the book are available on Amazon.com.