RSS Learning Project Module 0: Project Initialisation

Module 0: Project Initialisation#

Overview This module covers setting up the foundational structure for our RSS aggregator project using Git for version control. We’ll create a clean, well-organised project structure that will support our learning journey.

Learning Objectives

• Understanding basic Git concepts
• Creating and structuring a project directory
• Managing project documentation
• Handling sensitive data in version control

Prerequisites

• Git installed on your system
• GitHub account created
• Basic command line familiarity
• Text editor installed

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Create Project Directory

# Create and navigate to project directory
mkdir rss-learning-project
cd rss-learning-project

2. Initialise Git Repository

# Initialise fresh Git repository
git init

3. Create Project Structure

# Create essential project files
touch .gitignore
touch README.md
mkdir docker-config
mkdir docs

4. Configure .gitignore ([[gitignore-explanation]])

# Add common ignore patterns to .gitignore
echo ".env
.env.*
docker-compose.override.yml
**/data/
**/log/
.DS_Store
node_modules/
*.log
" > .gitignore

5. Create Initial README.md

# Add basic project documentation
echo "# RSS Learning Project

A personal RSS aggregator built with FreshRSS, Docker, and WSL.

## Project Overview
This project is part of a guided learning journey using Claude.ai as a teaching assistant to build a privacy-focused news aggregator.

## Project Structure
- Environment setup
- FreshRSS deployment
- Feed configuration
- Security implementation
- Backup & version control
- Remote hosting

## Development Environment
- WSL
- Docker
- Git

## Getting Started
[Instructions will be added as project progresses]

## Notes
[Learning notes and observations will be added here]
" > README.md

6. Initial Commit

# Stage all files
git add .

# Create first commit
git commit -m "Initial project setup"

7. Link to GitHub

# Add remote repository (replace with your GitHub URL)
git remote add origin <your-github-repo-url>

# Push to main branch
git push -u origin main

Success Criteria

• Local Git repository initialised
• Project structure created
• Basic documentation in place
• .gitignore configured
• Repository linked to GitHub

Common Issues and Solutions

• If git push fails, ensure your GitHub repository exists and URL is correct
• If permission denied, check your GitHub authentication
• If files aren’t being ignored, check .gitignore syntax

Next Steps After completing this module, you should:

1. Review the project structure
2. Ensure all files are properly committed
3. Verify GitHub repository access
4. Prepare to move on to Module 1: Environment Setup

Additional Resources

• Git documentation: https://git-scm.com/doc
• GitHub guides: https://guides.github.com
• Markdown syntax: https://www.markdownguide.org/basic-syntax/

Notes

• Keep commit messages clear and descriptive
• Regularly check git status to monitor changes
• Consider using Git branches for different features as we progress