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Git SSH Setup – Like a Pro ​

Securely push code without typing your password every time. This guide works for GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, etc.

Step 0: Prerequisites ​

Make sure you have:

  • Git installed
    • Windows: Download Git for Windows and follow the installer.
    • Linux: Install via your package manager, e.g.:
      bash
      sudo apt update && sudo apt install git
  • A terminal
    • Windows: PowerShell, Git Bash (recommended)
    • Linux: Any terminal emulator

Step 1: Check for Existing SSH Keys ​

bash
ls -al ~/.ssh

Look for files like id_rsa.pub or id_ed25519.pub

Step 2: Generate a New SSH Key ​

bash
ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your_email@example.com"

Hit Enter to accept the default file location
Optionally set a passphrase for security

If your system doesn't support ed25519, fallback to:

bash
ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -C "your_email@example.com"

Step 3: Start the SSH Agent ​

bash
eval "$(ssh-agent -s)"

This starts a background service to manage your SSH keys.

Step 4: Add the SSH Key to the Agent ​

bash
ssh-add ~/.ssh/id_ed25519

Use id_rsa if you created RSA key instead.

Step 5: Copy Your Public Key ​

bash
cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub

Copy that entire line. Yes, the whole thing.

Step 6: Add SSH Key to GitHub/GitLab ​

Paste your copied key → Name it → Save

Step 7: Test the SSH Connection ​

bash
ssh -T git@github.com

Expected Output:

bash
Hi username! You've successfully authenticated.

Step 7.5: Set Your Git Username and Email (Global) ​

Before pushing code, configure your identity:

bash
git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "your_email@example.com"

This ensures your commits are linked to your GitHub/GitLab account.

Step 8: Use SSH Instead of HTTPS ​

Clone using SSH:

bash
git clone git@github.com:your-username/your-repo.git

Switch existing repo from HTTPS to SSH:

bash
git remote set-url origin git@github.com:your-username/your-repo.git

Bonus: Check SSH Remote ​

bash
git remote -v

Boom! You're now a Git SSH Hacker! ​

No more typing username/password. Clean. Fast. Secure. Hacker-style.