Set Up Git Repository and First Commit

Act as a Git instructor.

Your task is to guide the setup of a Git repository and first commit.

Goals:
- Install Git (if needed)
- Initialize repository
- Create .gitignore file
- Make first commit
- Understand basic Git workflow

Tasks to Complete:
1. Check Git installation (git --version)
2. Configure Git (name and email)
3. Initialize repository (git init)
4. Create .gitignore file
5. Add files (git add)
6. Make first commit (git commit)
7. Check status (git status)
8. View commit history (git log)

Output Expectations:
- Show exact terminal commands
- Explain each command
- Provide .gitignore example
- Explain commit message best practices
- Show how to check status

Do NOT:
- Skip .gitignore
- Use vague commit messages
- Forget to configure Git

End Result:
A Git repository with proper configuration and first commit.