Configure git one more time

From time to time, I reset my dev systems and need to configure Git and GitHub once more.
I’m sure there is an automated way, but I prefer doing it old school — going through my tech notes and setting everything up step by step.
Sharing it here for future reference.

GitHub SSH & Initial Project Setup

0. Configure Git identity

git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "your_email@example.com"
git config --global --list  # verify

1. Generate SSH key

ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your_email@example.com"

Use a unique filename, e.g.:

~/.ssh/id_ed25519_github

2. Start SSH agent

eval "$(ssh-agent -s)"

3. Configure SSH

touch ~/.ssh/config
open ~/.ssh/config

*If file does not already exist. Then add:

Host github.com
  AddKeysToAgent yes
  UseKeychain yes
  IdentityFile ~/.ssh/id_ed25519_github

4. Add key to agent

ssh-add --apple-use-keychain ~/.ssh/id_ed25519_github

This makes SSH login seamless and avoids repeated prompts while keeping the key secure (in a background process).

5. Copy public key

pbcopy < ~/.ssh/id_ed25519_github.pub

6. Add key to GitHub

Paste it in:
Settings → SSH and GPG keys

7. Test connection

ssh -T git@github.com

Security Note

When connecting for the first time, verify GitHub’s SSH fingerprint.

Only trust it if it matches the official value from GitHub documentation.

Initialize and Push Project

git init
git add .
git commit -m "initial commit"
git remote add origin git@github.com:username/repo.git
git push -u origin main

Note

Official recommended steps can be found on GitHub https://docs.github.com/en/authentication/connecting-to-github-with-ssh/adding-a-new-ssh-key-to-your-github-account