? GitHub Add SSH

? Quick Overview

This section explains how to add an SSH key to GitHub so you can securely interact with repositories without entering your username and password every time.

? Key Concepts

• SSH provides encrypted authentication
• Public key is shared with GitHub
• Private key stays on your system

? Syntax / Theory

SSH (Secure Shell) allows GitHub to identify you using cryptographic keys instead of passwords, making Git operations faster and more secure.

? Step 1: Generate an SSH Key

# Generate a new SSH key using RSA algorithm
ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -C "your_email@example.com"

? Step 2: Copy SSH Public Key

# Display the public SSH key
cat ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub

? Step 3: Add SSH Key to GitHub

1. Open GitHub → Settings → SSH and GPG keys
2. Click New SSH key
3. Paste your copied key
4. Save

✅ Step 4: Test SSH Connection

# Test SSH authentication with GitHub
ssh -T git@github.com

# Successful authentication message
Hi username! You've successfully authenticated, but GitHub does not provide shell access.

? Using SSH with Git

# Clone repository using SSH URL
git clone git@github.com:username/repository.git

# Push commits to GitHub
git push origin main

# Pull latest changes from GitHub
git pull origin main

? Use Cases

• Secure GitHub authentication
• Password-free Git operations
• CI/CD and automation