# Git vs GitHub

URL: https://softwaredictionary.org/compare/git-vs-github
Last updated: 2026-10-03

In short: Git is a version control tool that keeps your code's history on your computer, while GitHub hosts Git repositories online and adds pull requests, issues and CI.

## What is the difference between Git and GitHub?

Git was created by Linus Torvalds in 2005 to manage the Linux kernel. It is free, open-source software that runs locally: it tracks changes in commits, manages branches, merges work and keeps the complete history in a `.git` folder. It works fully offline and doesn't need any server or company.

GitHub, launched in 2008 and owned by Microsoft since 2018, is a service built around Git. It stores repositories online so teams can share them, and adds what Git itself doesn't have: pull requests with code review, issues, project boards, GitHub Actions for CI/CD, security alerts, a package registry and a huge open-source community.

You use them together: `git commit` records work on your machine, and `git push` uploads it to GitHub, where teammates review and merge it. GitHub is one of several hosting platforms; GitLab, Bitbucket and self-hosted servers such as Gitea work with the same Git commands.

A common misconception is that GitHub is required to use Git, or that Git is a GitHub product. Git works entirely without GitHub, and a repository can move between hosting services or be mirrored to several at once, because the history lives in Git itself.

| Aspect | Git | GitHub |
| --- | --- | --- |
| What it is | A version control tool | A hosting and collaboration platform |
| Where it runs | On your computer | In the cloud, in a browser |
| Needs internet | No | Yes |
| Made by | Linus Torvalds and the Git community, open source | GitHub Inc., part of Microsoft |
| Main features | Commits, branches, merges, history | Pull requests, issues, Actions, code review |
| Alternatives | Mercurial, SVN | GitLab, Bitbucket, Gitea |

## Choose Git when

- You need to track changes to code on your own machine.
- You want to work offline or on a private server.
- You are learning version control itself.

## Choose GitHub when

- You want to share code and collaborate through pull requests.
- You need hosted CI/CD, issue tracking or code review.
- You want to publish open source or join an existing project.

## Frequently asked questions

**Can I use Git without GitHub?**

Yes. Git works fully on its own computer, and you can also host repositories on GitLab, Bitbucket or your own server.

**Is GitHub free?**

GitHub has a free plan with unlimited public and private repositories and a monthly allowance of Actions minutes. Paid plans add features for teams and companies.

**What is the difference between GitHub and GitLab?**

Both host Git repositories with code review and CI/CD. GitHub has the largest community; GitLab bundles more DevOps features into one product and is often self-hosted.

---

Software Dictionary: https://softwaredictionary.org/ · https://softwaredictionary.org/llms.txt