GitHub
GitHub is a website and service that hosts and tracks changes in projects using Git, an open-source version control system. It provides distributed version control, access control, bug tracking, software feature requests, task management, and wikis for every project. Beyond programming, GitHub serves as a collaborative platform for developers to create, store, manage, and share their code.
- Version Control: GitHub is primarily known for its role as a distributed version control system. Developers use it to track changes, collaborate on code, and manage different versions of their projects.
- Collaboration: GitHub provides a platform for collaborative development. Multiple contributors can work on the same project simultaneously, making it easy to merge changes, review code, and resolve conflicts.
- Open-Source Projects: GitHub hosts a vast ecosystem of open-source projects. Developers can contribute to existing projects or create their own, fostering a global community of collaboration and innovation.
- Issue Tracking and Bug Reporting: GitHub’s built-in issue tracking system allows developers to report and manage bugs, feature requests, and other project-related tasks. It streamlines communication between developers and users.
- Documentation and Wikis: GitHub repositories often include documentation and wikis, providing essential information about the project. These resources help users understand how to use the software, contribute, and troubleshoot issues.
In summary, GitHub serves as a hub for code hosting, collaboration, and project management, benefiting developers, organizations, and the broader software community
Training
LinkedIn Learning provides several GitHub Training resources that are helpful. Enterprise Applications recommends using GitHub Desktop when accessing GitHub.
GitHub also offers a variety of tools for your educational purposes. These tools are outside of WashU’s purview but can help both students and teachers in their development. They offer a free GitHub Pro account for verified learners, including unlimited repositories, GitHub Copilot Pro, and other resources, all at no cost.
GitHub Tenants
Washington University has two tenants in GitHub:
- GitHub EMU (Enterprise Managed Users)
This is an Enterprise-managed instance that is directly managed by WashU through our identity provider. Users cannot collaborate outside the enterprise; it allows for internal and private repositories only. GitHub accounts are provisioned by the enterprise, and a user will use their WashU Key credentials for access. It is the default choice for most use cases that are not academically focused.
- GitHub Education
This instance supports open-source collaboration where public and private repositories can coexist, with other GitHub users that are managed externally to WashU, depending on policy. It utilizes a user’s personal account for access, and uses SAML Single Sign-on, but provides front-door access only. All access to organizations and repositories is controlled through GitHub. This instance requires additional information on the use case so it can be determined that this is the best option.
GitHub Access
Access to either Washington University tenant is restricted to GitHub users who hold an active WashU KEY as students, faculty, staff members, or WashU guests.
- GitHub EMU
When accessing code within this tenant, users should log in using their WashU Key and 2FA (Duo), to proceed to their desired organization in GitHub. Authentication through the WashU Key Single Sign-On is necessary for navigating the organization. When using GitHub, it should be noted that GitHub is not approved for confidential, HIPAA, or any protected information.
Access to GitHub is provided within the WashU Enterprise EMU tenant, via our Microsoft Entra identity provider. Teams utilizing GitHub are typically assigned a new GitHub organization tailored to their specific needs. Each team is responsible for setting up the organization once it is provisioned. Upon provisioning, two owners will be assigned, granting them the ability to manage their organization and fine-tune access to various code repositories.
- GitHub Education
When accessing code within this tenant, users should log in to their personal GitHub account and then proceed to the WashU organization. Authentication through the WUSTL Key Single Sign-On is necessary for navigating the organization. When using GitHub, it should be noted that GitHub is not approved for confidential, HIPAA, or any protected information.
Access to GitHub is provided within the WashU Enterprise Education tenant via their personal GitHub account. Teams utilizing GitHub are typically assigned a new GitHub organization tailored to their specific needs. Each team is responsible for setting up the organization once it is provisioned. Upon provisioning, two owners will be assigned, granting them the ability to add other members to the organization.
Request Access
Most use cases will fall under the EMU tenant. However, we understand that there will be some that are best served with the Education tenant. Either can be requested with the links below:
Researchers and Laboratories should request access to GitHub through RIS: