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Lesson 03: Git Configuration

Let your IDE handle Git automatically

What You'll Do

Understand what Git does
Recap your repository structure decision
Let Cursor install Git automatically
OR use GitHub Desktop (visual alternative)

Time: 5 minutes

What is Git?

Git is the behind-the-scenes tool that syncs your computer with GitHub.

Good news: You don't need to install it manually! Modern IDEs like Cursor handle this for you.

Step 1: Recap Your Repository Structure

You already decided this in Lesson 01 when naming your repo!

Single Repo (named `my-project`)

my-project/
├── docs/              ← Your WDS specifications
└── src/               ← Code lives here too

Separate Repo (named `my-project-specs`)

my-project-specs/      ← This repo (specifications only)
                       ← Code repo created separately

For this tutorial, we assume single repo (dog-walker-app)

Step 2: Choose Your Git Approach

Option 1: Let Cursor Handle It (Recommended)

The easiest way: Do nothing!

When you try to clone a repository in Lesson 04, Cursor will:

Check if Git is installed
If not, automatically prompt you: "Install Git?"
You click "Install"
Done!

That's it. No command line needed.

✅ This is the recommended path for beginners

Option 2: GitHub Desktop (Visual Alternative)

For designers who prefer visual tools:

Why GitHub Desktop?

✅ No terminal commands needed
✅ Visual interface for everything
✅ See changes side-by-side
✅ Many professional designers use it
✅ Works perfectly with Cursor

Install GitHub Desktop

Download from https://desktop.github.com
Install it (follow standard installer)
Open GitHub Desktop
Sign in with your GitHub account
Done!

How it Works

Use GitHub Desktop to clone repositories
Use GitHub Desktop to commit and push changes
Use Cursor to edit specifications
They work together perfectly!

This is a perfectly valid professional workflow.

Bonus: GitHub Desktop also helps you decide between single vs separate repos visually!

Option 3: Already Comfortable with Terminal?

Optional check for those who want to know:

In Cursor terminal (press Ctrl+** or **Cmd+):

git --version

If you see a version number:

git version 2.x.x

✅ Git is installed!

If you see "command not found": No problem! Continue to Lesson 04, Cursor will prompt you.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Choose Option 1 (Let Cursor Handle It) if:

You're a complete beginner
You want the simplest path
You're comfortable with terminal appearing in Lesson 04

Choose Option 2 (GitHub Desktop) if:

You prefer visual interfaces
You want to see changes graphically
You're nervous about terminal commands
You want a tool you'll keep using

Both are great! Many professionals use GitHub Desktop daily.

Troubleshooting

Issue: Not sure which option to choose
Solution: Use Option 1 (Let Cursor handle it) - simplest for beginners

Issue: GitHub Desktop won't sign in
Solution: Make sure you completed Lesson 01 (GitHub account created)

Issue: Worried about making mistakes
Solution: Git saves everything - you can always undo!

What's Next?

Git will be ready when you need it! Now it's time to clone your repository and add WDS to your workspace.

Continue to Lesson 04: Repository Cloning & WDS Integration →

Part of Module 02: Installation & Setup
← Back to Module Overview

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