Learn Git internals — see every command leave a footprint.

Go beyond git commands. Trace what happens inside .git/ when you init, add, commit, branch, and merge — then see how commits, trees, blobs, and refs actually work.

Why learn Git internals?

Most Git tutorials tell you what a command does. They rarely show you how Git makes it happen. When git init creates a .git folder, or git commit writes a tree, a blob, and a commit object, a well-defined process runs under the hood — and understanding it changes how you use Git.

That is what dotgit.dev is for. Each lesson walks through a real Git command and traces every change it leaves behind, so you can see the object model, the refs, and the working tree shift in real time. You learn Git under the hood instead of memorizing commands.

Whether you are new to version control or have used Git for years, the material works for you. Beginners get a clear mental model of repositories and history; experienced developers finally see the internals behind everyday operations and become better at diagnosing problems.

What you'll learn

What Is Version Control System (VCS) A plain-English answer to what a version control system is, why every team needs one, and how Git stores the entire history inside .git/ — with an interactive simulator. How Git is Different Discover why Git's snapshot-based architecture, local-first operations, and content-addressable database set it apart from traditional VCS like SVN. How to Install Git on Windows, Mac and Linux The complete guide to installing Git on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Step-by-step instructions and command verifications for every operating system. git config Guide: System, Global & Local Settings Understand how git config works under the hood. Learn how local, global, and system configurations override settings and where Git stores them. git init Explained: What Happens Inside .git/ Learn what git init actually does — from creating the .git directory structure to initializing HEAD, refs, objects, and hooks in a new repository. git status Explained: How Git Tracks Changes Discover how git status works behind the scenes. Learn how Git compares workspace files, index manifest, and HEAD pointers to detect changes.

Explore all 37 lessons, or jump straight to the interactive playground to experiment with Git safely in your browser.

How the lessons work

Every lesson pairs a short explanation with a live terminal simulation. You run the actual Git command, then inspect the .git directory to see which objects were written, how the index changed, and where each commit landed in history. No setup, no installing Git locally — just open a lesson and start.

Lessons build on each other: start with what a version control system is, see how Git stores snapshots, then work through the everyday commands that shape your history.

Frequently asked questions

What is dotgit.dev?

A free interactive platform for learning Git internals. You run real Git commands in the browser and watch exactly what each one changes inside the .git/ directory — objects, refs, and the index.

Is dotgit.dev free?

Yes. All 37 lessons and the interactive playground are free forever, with no account required.

Do I need to install Git?

No. The terminal simulation and the .git/ directory viewer both run entirely in your browser, so you can experiment safely without installing anything.

How is this different from other Git tutorials?

Most tutorials tell you what a command does. dotgit.dev shows you what actually happens under the hood — every commit, tree, blob, and ref is visualized as the command runs.

Start learning Git internals

Free forever. Begin with a single command and watch what it leaves behind.