How to Update Files in GitHub: Web and Command Line Guide

GitHub is the most widely used platform for source code collaboration. Whether you’re fixing bugs, updating documentation, or improving features, you’ll often need to update files in a repository.

This guide walks you through how to update files in GitHub, using both the web interface and the command line (Git) — so you can choose what suits your workflow best.

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🛠 Option 1: Update Files Using GitHub Web Interface

The GitHub web UI is ideal for quick edits to files like README files, Markdown docs, or small code changes.

✅ Steps:

1. Navigate to the file you want to update in the repository.
2. Click the pencil icon (✏️) in the upper-right corner of the file view.
3. Make your changes in the editor.
4. Scroll down and enter a commit message describing your update.
5. Choose to:
   • Commit directly to the main (or current) branch, or
   • Create a new branch and open a pull request (recommended for team projects)
6. Click “Commit changes”.

Your file is now updated in the repository.

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🧑‍💻 Option 2: Update Files Using Git (Command Line)

For larger updates or when working locally, use Git on your machine to update and push changes.

✅ Steps:

1. Clone the Repository (if you haven’t already):

git clone https://github.com/your-username/your-repo.git
cd your-repo

2. Make File Updates

Edit the desired file(s) using your preferred editor (e.g., VS Code, Vim, Sublime).

3. Stage and Commit the Changes

git add .
git commit -m "Update: describe your change here"

4. Push Changes to GitHub

git push origin main

Replace main with your branch name if working on a different branch.

Once pushed, your updates will reflect in the GitHub repository.

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🔄 Optional: Open a Pull Request

If you’re working on a branch and want someone to review your changes:

1. Go to your GitHub repo.
2. Click “Compare & pull request”.
3. Add a title and description.
4. Click “Create pull request”.

Once reviewed and merged, your updates will be live on the target branch.

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🧠 Best Practices

• Write clear commit messages (e.g., "Fix typo in README" instead of "changed stuff").
• Create a branch for each update if you’re working in a team.
• Use pull requests to review and discuss code changes before merging.
• Test locally before pushing to production branches like main or master.

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✅ Summary

Method	Best For	Steps
GitHub Web UI	Small, quick edits	Navigate → Edit → Commit
Git (CLI)	Larger/multiple changes	Pull → Edit → Commit → Push
Pull Requests	Team collaboration	Update on branch → PR → Merge

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Conclusion

Keeping your GitHub repository up to date is a key part of managing and maintaining any software project. Whether you’re making a quick fix or deploying a new feature, GitHub gives you the flexibility to work both online and offline, alone or in teams.