Godot Git Setup

Godot + Git + Gitea Project Template (Linux)

A reusable workflow for setting up a new Godot project with Git and pushing it to a blank Gitea repository using HTTPS.

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Prerequisites

Before starting:

• Git is installed (git --version)
• A Godot project already exists
• A blank repository has been created in Gitea
• You are inside your Godot project folder in terminal

Example:

git --version
pwd
ls

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Initial Project Setup

1. Initialize Git Repository

git init

What it does:

• Creates a hidden .git folder
• Turns the current folder into a Git repository
• Starts tracking version history

Useful when:

• Starting any new project

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2. Create Godot .gitignore

cat > .gitignore << 'EOF'
.godot/
.import/
.export/
export_presets.cfg
EOF

What it does:

• Creates a .gitignore file
• Prevents machine-generated or temporary files being committed

Ignored files explained

• .godot/ → Godot 4 cache/import data
• .import/ → legacy import cache
• .export/ → export temp files
• export_presets.cfg → local export settings

Why ignore these:

• Reduces repo size
• Avoids merge conflicts
• Keeps commits clean

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3. Stage All Files

git add .

What it does:

• Adds all current files to the staging area
• Prepares them for commit

Think of staging as:

• "These are the files I want included in the next snapshot"

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4. First Commit

git commit -m "Initial commit"

What it does:

• Saves a snapshot of staged files into project history

-m means message.

Good commit messages:

• Add player movement
• Implement inventory system
• Fix wall jump bug

Bad commit messages:

• stuff
• update
• asdf

Future you will thank present you.

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5. Add Remote Repository

git remote add origin https://your-gitea-domain.com/username/repository.git

Replace URL with your Gitea repo URL.

What it does:

• Links local project to remote Gitea repo

Definitions:

• origin = nickname for remote server

Check remotes:

git remote -v

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6. Set Main Branch + Push

git branch -M main
git push -u origin main

git branch -M main

• Renames current branch to main

git push -u origin main

• Uploads commits to remote
• -u sets upstream so future pushes only need git push

After first push:

git push

is enough.

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Save HTTPS Credentials (Optional but recommended)

git config --global credential.helper store

What it does:

• Saves HTTPS username/password or token locally after first login

Benefits:

• No repeated login prompts

Stored in:

• ~/.git-credentials

Security note:

• Stored in plain text
• Fine for personal Linux machine
• Less ideal on shared computers

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Daily Workflow / Future Commits

After making changes:

git add .
git commit -m "Describe changes"
git push

Typical workflow:

1. Code
2. Test
3. Commit
4. Push

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Branching

Useful for testing features safely.

Create new branch

git checkout -b feature-double-jump

What it does:

• Creates branch
• Switches to it immediately

Now you can experiment without touching main.

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Switch branches

git checkout main

or:

git checkout feature-double-jump

Moves between branches.

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View branches

git branch

Current branch has *

Example:

* main
  feature-double-jump

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Merge branch into main

Switch to main first:

git checkout main

Merge:

git merge feature-double-jump

This combines work into main.

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Delete merged branch

git branch -d feature-double-jump

Keeps repo tidy.

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Useful Commands

Check status

git status

Shows:

• modified files
• staged files
• current branch

Most used Git command.

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View commit history

git log --oneline

Compact history view.

Example:

4f8a1d2 Add dash mechanic
2a8c114 Initial commit

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See changed files

git diff

Shows unstaged changes.

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Undo unstaged changes

git restore filename

Danger: discards local edits.

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Unstage file

git restore --staged filename

Removes from staging without deleting changes.

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Recommended Solo Dev Workflow for Godot

For small solo projects:

• Commit often
• Push daily or after milestones
• Use branches for risky features
• Keep main stable/playable

Example branch naming:

• feature-inventory
• feature-wall-jump
• bugfix-animation
• refactor-state-machine

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

git add .
git commit -m "message"
git push

git checkout -b new-branch
git checkout main
git merge branch-name

git status
git branch
git log --oneline

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End of template.