What Can I Share on GitHub That's Worthwhile?
Asked by
CreativeCoder42
I'm diving back into programming through my university classes and some special courses, and I have a question about what I should share on GitHub. Should I upload smaller projects I've worked on, like a shopping menu website built with HTML and CSS, a calculator made with Java, or a number reader using C? I thought this might show my growth in skills.
Alternatively, should I focus on sharing more polished projects that have real-world relevance, like a website for a bakery, which could highlight my abilities more effectively? What's generally seen as valuable to post on GitHub?
Answers
For sure, all your work should be stored in some version control system. Keep your private projects private, but feel free to share your best work publicly if you’re looking for feedback or job opportunities. It’s all about finding the right balance in what you showcase!
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Honestly, most employers really don't focus on what's in your GitHub. The skills you have with GitHub itself matter more than the content. Sure, you can use it as a portfolio, but there are plenty of other ways to showcase your work. Just having an empty GitHub is more common than you think—it's not a sign of being inactive or inexperienced.
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Ultimately, it depends on the industry you're targeting. If you’re aiming for a role that needs hands-on experience with real-world projects, then definitely work on something that showcases that. But having all your code in version control is crucial—professionals expect it, so get used to it, even if the projects are just practice for now!
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People are more interested in your personal projects than what you have on GitHub specifically. Think of GitHub as a storage tool for your code so you don't lose it. You definitely want to keep it active, and just ensure you’re not sharing anything confidential. It's a great way to collaborate with others, even if those 'display portfolios' aren’t as popular as people say.
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Instead of treating GitHub as an online resume, think of it as a place to gather all your coding projects. If you're worried about having only a couple of items, it's totally understandable. Having multiple projects shows activity and growth in your skills, and you can even pin important ones to the top of your profile.
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You should absolutely be using GitHub regularly, and branching out to other platforms like Bitbucket or GitLab isn't a bad idea either. It’s important to familiarize yourself with version control, especially since many workplaces rely on it. Plus, you can make repos private if you don’t want to show unfinished projects, while keeping your best work public.
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