September 13, 2023 / 367 /

How to Find Your GitHub Username?

GitHub is a web-based platform designed for developers and programmers to collaborate on projects, track changes in code, and manage version control.

It plays a crucial role in the world of software development, making it easier for teams to work together, share code, and contribute to open-source projects.

How Does GitHub Usernames Look Like?

GitHub’s usernames typically consist of alphanumeric characters (letters and numbers) and may include hyphens (-).

However, they cannot start or end with a hyphen and also there cannot be spaces between the username.

The format is not case-sensitive, meaning “MyUsername” and “myusername” are considered the same.

Here are example list of valid GitHub usernames:

• Mohammadjamiu
• john_doe
• code_master123
• alice-99
• my_github_user

Ways on How to Find Your GitHub Username

1. Using the GitHub Website

1. Visit GitHub: Open your web browser and go to the GitHub website at https://github.com/.

2. Sign In: If you’re not already logged in, click the “Sign In” button at the top-right corner and enter your GitHub credentials.

3. Profile Page: Once you’re logged in, click on your profile picture or your profile name at the top-right corner.

   

   This will take you to your GitHub profile page.

4. Username Display: On your profile page, you will see your username displayed prominently, usually under your profile picture and name.
   
   Also in the URL, the part after “https://github.com/” is the username.

   

2. Finding Your Username via the Terminal

If you are already signed in to your GitHub account on your computer but forgot your username, then follow the steps below:

1. Open Terminal: Launch your terminal or command prompt. You can use an IDE like VSCode or your preferred terminal.

2. To Check Your Username: Run the following git command:

   git config user.name
   

   This command will display the username associated with your GitHub account.

   

How to Change Your GitHub Username?

If you wish to change your GitHub username, you can do so by visiting your GitHub account settings and selecting the “Change username” option.

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Be aware that changing your username will also update your profile URL, so inform your collaborators if necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I have spaces in my GitHub username? No, GitHub usernames cannot contain spaces. They should consist of alphanumeric characters and hyphens.
2. Is it possible to change my GitHub username? Yes, you can change your GitHub username by going to your account settings and selecting the “Change username” option.
3. What should I do if my GitHub username is already taken? If your desired username is already in use, consider adding numbers or using a variation of the name to make it unique.
4. Can I use uppercase letters in my GitHub username? Yes, GitHub usernames are not case-sensitive, so “MyUsername” and “myusername” are considered the same.
5. Is my GitHub username the same as my email address? No, your GitHub username is a separate identifier from your email address. Your email address is used for communication and account recovery purposes.