How to Generate a GitHub Token for Pushing Repos with Greening

When using greening new to auto-create and push a repo to GitHub, you’ll need a GitHub token with proper permissions. This token allows Greening to authenticate with the GitHub API on your behalf and create new repositories for your projects.

Here’s how to generate one and use it securely:

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🔐 Step 1: Generate a New Token

1. Visit github.com/settings/tokens
2. Click “Generate new token”
3. Use the following settings:
   • Note: Greening CLI access
   • Expiration: Choose one (90 days or custom)
   • Scopes: Check the box for:
     • repo (Full control of private repositories)
4. Click “Generate token” and copy it immediately.

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🧠 Step 2: Add It to Your Environment

For security, never hard-code your token into your project.

Instead, add it to your environment using one of the following:

Unix/macOS

export GITHUB_TOKEN=ghp_your_token_here

You can also add this to your ~/.bashrc, ~/.zshrc, or ~/.bash_profile.

Windows (Command Prompt)

set GITHUB_TOKEN=ghp_your_token_here

Windows (PowerShell)

$env:GITHUB_TOKEN = "ghp_your_token_here"

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✅ Step 3: Use It with Greening

Now that your token is available, Greening will detect it automatically.

Just run:

greening new

If you have create_github_repo: true in your greening.yaml config, Greening will:

• Create a new GitHub repo
• Add the remote
• Push your project

No extra steps. ✨

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🧼 Bonus: Keeping Your Token Safe

• Don’t commit .env files or shell profiles to public repos.
• Rotate your token periodically, especially if it becomes exposed.
• Use fine-grained tokens for more control (GitHub now supports these).

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Greening aims to make shipping your ideas painless — and this is a big part of that. By setting up your token once, you’ll unlock powerful automation across every new project.

Happy shipping 🌱

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Got questions? Open an issue or join the discussion at greening