What You Can Do With Gists on GitHub?
Last Updated :
15 Apr, 2025
As a developer, you might have used the GitHub Platform to Make Collaborative Projects, Publish Public Projects, etc. But do you know that GitHub offers something more that can be used for small purposes?
The Gists on GitHub are similar kind of thing. This article is devoted to discussing GitHub Gists along with the Different Usage of Gists on GitHub that can be used by any individual from any work domain.
What are Gists on GitHub?
From GitHub, the concept comes into your mind that, a large project is implemented there where different folders & instructions are present. If you want to work on them, you have to Pull a GitHub Request & work on it. The Gists on GitHub is a completely different concept where you can only insert a simple code snippet to display on any platform.
On the GitHub Gists, you can write any Code Snippet from any Programming Language. Not only that but if you want, you can Add Files on Gists. The Gists can be declared as Public or Private like GitHub. Also, one can comment there, and download the Gists on their GitHub Account.
Simply, the Gists are all similar to the GitHub, but it is much simpler & made for simple work like a Code Snippet.
What You Can Do With Gists on GitHub?
From the above discussion, you could have found out the Application of Gists on GitHub is highly extensive. Now, we are diving into some deeper concepts. We are going to discuss the Operations of Gists on GitHub.
1. Use Gists to Share Code Snippets:
If you have any Code Snippets or Short Script of any Programming Function, then they can be used in the Gists. It is like the Code Blockquote where any type of Programming Language can be put. Based on your privacy, it will be available on GitHub.
Also, with the Code Snippets, you will get the option to add some files to understand the logic & its implementation reason. Not only any Code Snippet, you can add a large code instead. But, you can't add different folders just like GitHub.
If you are keen on writing, then the Gists will be appropriate. In the Code Snippet Section, you can add simple English as well. You will get different marking options for the text that will help you to make attractive content.
In this case also, if you want, you can add simple files to the writing. Once, the writing is completed, Embed the Gists on any webpage & the writing will be completely available on the internet. In this case, the publishing will be done quickly.
3. Use Gists to Track Changes:
Suppose, you have published any content on the Gists & it is made public so different individuals can come & make the changes. Like Wikipedia, you can track different changes made in the Gists by different individuals.
As an author of the Gist, you can see what the contents are removed & what the contents are being added. Those that are removed will be marked with the Red Color & those that are Added will be marked with the Green Color.
The Gists can be used as the Collaborating Platform. If you find any Gist of another individual an important one, you can make a copy using Gist Fork just like the Pulling a GitHub Project or Forking It.
Also, if needed, you can make comments on the Gists that will help another individual there. So, any created Gist, even if it is embedded on the Webpage works as the Collaborating Platform.
5. Use Gists to Webpages:
Upon creation of Gist, you will find there are few options present to share the Gist. One is the Embedded Option. Once it is chosen, the Embedded Code will be available to paste on any HTML Document available on the Internet.
Another one is the Share Option. In this case, a simple URL will be available that can be shared by any medium. Also, you can Clone it via HTTP or SSH which is another good way out.
How to Create Gists on GitHub?
Creating Gits on GitHub is essential for users as well as working professionals. Here, we'll discuss about some easy steps to create Gits on GitHub.
Step 1: Sign in to your GitHub Account & click on the Plus Option. Then, go for the New Gist option.
Step 2: After that, the Gist Window will open. You can add Description, File Name with File Extension & Add Different FIles if needed.
Step 3: Now, you will get the Two Gist Creation Option. One is the Secret Gist or Private Gist & the other will be the Public Gist. Do specify & click on it to Create New Gist on GitHub.
How to Edit or Remove Gists on GitHub?
Once, you have Created Gist on GitHub, you will get a few options there. On the Upper-Hand Side, you will find Two Options. They are the Edit & Delete options. If you want to Edit, click on the icon & the same interface will open like the above. If you want to Delete, click on it.
How to Share Gists of GitHub?
Once, you are ready with the Gist, you will find a Dropdown Menu on the Upper Side. Once, you click on that, you will get Four Options. Embed Option is used for Inserting Gist to Webpage, Share Option is to get the Shareable URL & Rest Two will help to Clone the Gist.
From the above discussion, we can say that the Creation of Gist on GitHub is not a challenging task. Neither the Working of Gist is a complicated thing where the chance of several errors is involved. So, if you are an individual who holds a GitHub Account, do Create First Gist & share some interesting insights with the world.
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