What is GitHub?
Where code lives. Version control, collaboration, and the world's largest code library. Microsoft owns it now.
GitHub is a web service where code is stored, version-controlled, and shared. If Git is the tool that tracks every change in a project, GitHub is the place online where projects live and developers collaborate on them. Think of it as Google Drive, but built specifically for code.
On GitHub, several people can work on the same project, propose changes, review each other's work, and discuss solutions — all in one place with a full audit trail. It is also the world's largest collection of open-source code, where developers share ready-made building blocks that others can build on instead of reinventing the wheel.
GitHub started as an independent service but has been owned by Microsoft for several years. It is used today by everyone from solo hobby developers to the world's largest tech companies.
Why is GitHub important for your business?
When your code lives on GitHub, it is backed up, version-controlled, and accessible to the team working on it. If a developer leaves, another can easily take over, because all work and history is collected in one place.
That gives you reassurance and control as a client: you are not dependent on a single person's computer, and you can easily give a new supplier access to your project if you ever want to switch.
GitHub in practice
Say ZORC builds and maintains your website. The code sits in a private GitHub project that you own. When a developer wants to add a new feature, the change is proposed there, reviewed by a colleague, and then added in a controlled way. If you ever want to change supplier, it is enough to give the new one access to your GitHub project — the entire history comes with it.
Common questions about GitHub
What does GitHub mean?
GitHub is a web service where code is stored, version-controlled, and shared online. It is where developers collaborate on projects, and also the world's largest collection of open-source code.
What is the difference between Git and GitHub?
Git is the tool that tracks changes in code and runs on your own computer. GitHub is the web service where you store Git projects online so others can access and collaborate on them. You can use Git without GitHub, but GitHub is built on Git.
Is it safe to keep your code on GitHub?
Yes, you can have private projects on GitHub that only you and your team can access. GitHub maintains strong security, but it is important to set permissions correctly so the wrong people do not get access. Sensitive details like passwords should never be placed directly in code.
Related terms
CI/CD
Continuous Integration / Deployment — automated testing and release. Code goes live in minutes, not days.
CMS
The engine that lets you edit your website without coding. Like a word processor for your site.
Docker
Packages your app with everything it needs in a container. 'It worked on my machine' is no longer an excuse.
Figma
A design tool that lives in the browser. The whole team can work in the same file at once. It overtook Sketch almost overnight.
Git
Version control for code. Think of a magic undo system with unlimited levels. A lifesaver since 2005.
Low-code
A little code, lots of drag-and-drop. A middle ground between no-code and full development. Fast — but with limits.