curricly

Free tool · Production / Pre-production

GitHub Desktop for visible version control

A graphical Git client that makes changes, commits, branches and history easier to see during an introduction.

Level
Level 2 · Level 3 · HE
Useful for
Learn it · Teach it · Use it
Time
5 min
GitHub

Free and open source. Curricly links to the original website.

Open original tool ↗

What it does

Shows a repository's file changes, commits, branches, merges and remote sync through a desktop interface rather than requiring command-line Git first.

Why a Games educator might care

The visual change list helps learners connect a commit to actual project files. It lowers the first interface barrier while the lecturer teaches why and when to record a change.

Good for

  • Introducing commits and branches
  • Reviewing exactly which text files changed
  • Recovering an earlier small project state
  • Making version history visible during feedback

Classroom idea

Start with a tiny text or code project. Make one change, inspect the diff, write a useful commit message, branch for a second change and show the history before using an engine project.

Level suggestions

Level 2

Commit one meaningful change and explain the difference between save, commit and push.

Level 3

Use short branches for named features and review changes before merging.

HE

Agree a team workflow, test recovery and document handling for large or binary assets.

Limitations

A friendly interface does not remove merge conflicts, account policy, repository size or binary-asset problems. Test Git LFS and engine-specific ignore rules before a real team project.

Licence
MIT License ↗ applies to GitHub Desktop application source code; GitHub trademarks are excluded.

Keep moving

GuideProduction / Pre-production

The one-page pre-production check

A short planning structure that exposes risk and scope before learners disappear into asset production.

5 min readLevel 2 · Level 3 · HE
Guided resourceProduction / Pre-production

GitHub Skills: Introduction to GitHub

A short official exercise introducing repositories, branches, commits and pull requests.

GitHub · Free account requiredLevel 2 · Level 3 · HE
Guided resourceProduction / Pre-production

Pro Git: About Version Control

A free online explanation of local, centralised and distributed version control and the problems each approach addresses.

Git project · FreeLevel 3 · HE