2.4 clone — copy an existing repo
Why. Most work starts from a repo that already exists on GitHub, not from init.
git clone https://github.com/<USER>/devops-shipit-labs.git
cd devops-shipit-labs
git status
What you see: a new folder with the project files and a full .git history. git status should say the working tree is clean if you have not edited anything.
clone already sets a remote named origin pointing at the URL you cloned. Remotes are covered more in the next chapter; for now know that origin means "the default online copy."
HTTPS vs SSH
Beginners often clone with HTTPS and sign in when pushing. SSH keys are fine too once you are comfortable. Pick one method and stay consistent in early labs.