How to create a SSH key for git

Step 1: Configure Git with Your User Information

1. Open a terminal (Command Prompt, Git Bash, or terminal emulator on macOS/Linux).

2. Configure your Git username and email address:

    git config --global user.name "USERNAME"
    git config --global user.email "someone@email.com"
   

Step 2: Generate a New SSH Key

1. In the terminal, generate a new SSH key by running:

    ssh-keygen
   

2. Press Enter to accept the default file location when prompted:

    Enter a file in which to save the key (/home/you/.ssh/id_rsa): [Press enter]
   

3. Optionally, enter a passphrase for additional security, or press Enter to skip:

    Enter passphrase (empty for no passphrase):
    Enter same passphrase again:
   

Step 3: Add the SSH Key to Your GitHub Account

1. Copy the SSH public key to your clipboard:

   • On macOS:

       pbcopy < ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub
     

   • On Windows :

       type %USERPROFILE%\.ssh\id_rsa.pub | clip
     

   • On Windows (Only Git Bash not cmd):

       clip < ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub
     

   • On Linux:

       xclip -sel clip < ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub
     

2. Log in to your GitHub account.
3. Go to Settings by clicking your profile photo in the upper-right corner and selecting Settings.
4. In the left sidebar, click SSH and GPG keys.
5. Click New SSH key.
6. In the “Title” field, add a descriptive label (e.g., “Personal MacBook”).
7. Paste your copied SSH key into the “Key” field.
8. Click Add SSH key and confirm your GitHub password if prompted.

You’re all set! You can now start committing to your repositories using SSH.

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