How to Add a New User to a GitHub Repository?

Collaboration is one of GitHub’s core strengths, and adding collaborators to a GitHub repository is essential for teamwork. By adding new users, you can enable them to contribute, review, and manage the repository based on the permissions you set. Whether you’re working on a public project or a private repository, GitHub provides an easy way to manage users and control their access levels.

In this blog, we’ll go through the steps to add a new user to a GitHub repository and explore the permission levels you can assign to collaborators.

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Prerequisites

Before adding a new user to your GitHub repository, ensure you have:

• Repository Owner Permissions: Only the repository owner or someone with admin rights can add new users to a repository.
• GitHub Username of the User: To invite someone, you’ll need their GitHub username.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a New User to a GitHub Repository

Here are the steps to add a new user as a collaborator on your repository:

Step 1: Go to Your GitHub Repository

1. Log in to your GitHub account.
2. Navigate to the repository you want to add a collaborator to.

Step 2: Access the Repository Settings

1. In the repository, click on the Settings tab at the top right of the page.

Note: If you don’t see the Settings tab, it might mean you lack admin access to the repository.

Step 3: Open the Collaborators & Teams Section

1. Scroll down in the Settings sidebar and find the Collaborators and teams section under Access.
2. Click on Collaborators and teams to manage users and teams.

Step 4: Add the New Collaborator

1. In the Collaborators section, you’ll see an Add people button. Click this to invite new users.
2. Type the GitHub username or email address of the person you want to add.
3. Select the user from the dropdown list that appears.

Step 5: Set the Permission Level

Once you’ve selected the user, GitHub will ask you to choose a permission level for them. Here’s an overview of the available options:

• Read: Allows the user to view and clone the repository but not make any changes.
• Triage: Allows the user to manage issues and pull requests but doesn’t give write access to the codebase.
• Write: Allows the user to push commits, create branches, and make pull requests.
• Maintain: Gives additional rights, like managing some repository settings.
• Admin: Grants full access to the repository, including the ability to delete it, change settings, and add or remove collaborators.

Choose the appropriate level based on the user’s role in the project.

Step 6: Send the Invitation

1. After selecting the permission level, click Add to send an invitation to the new user.
2. The invited user will receive an email or GitHub notification with an invitation to the repository.
3. Once the user accepts the invitation, they’ll be added to the repository with the specified permissions.

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Tips for Managing Permissions on GitHub

1. Use Teams for Larger Groups: If you’re working on an organization’s repository, it’s more efficient to manage permissions using teams. You can create a team with specific permissions and add members to it.
2. Grant the Least Privilege Necessary: Assign the minimum permissions required for a user to do their work. For instance, if someone only needs to review code, give them Read or Triage access.
3. Adjust Permissions as Needed: As project needs change, you can modify a user’s access level anytime through the Collaborators and teams section.

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Removing a User from a Repository

If you ever need to remove a user, simply follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > Collaborators and teams.
2. Find the user you want to remove and click the Remove button next to their name.
3. Confirm the removal.

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Best Practices for Adding Users to a GitHub Repository

• Set Permissions Thoughtfully: Clearly define roles and set permissions accordingly to prevent unauthorized changes.
• Review Permissions Regularly: Periodically review access levels to ensure that only necessary users have access to the repository.
• Use Branch Protection Rules: To prevent accidental changes, use branch protection rules that restrict push access and require pull request approvals.

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Summary

Adding a new user to a GitHub repository is a straightforward process that fosters collaboration and allows others to contribute to your project. By following these steps, you can manage collaborators effectively and assign the appropriate permissions for their role in the project. With a careful approach to permissions and regular reviews, you can maintain a secure and efficient workflow in your GitHub repository.

Whether you’re leading a small project or managing a large team, GitHub’s collaborative features make it easy to bring people together and build something great.