First, let's understand what an SSH key is. SSH stands for Secure Shell , and an SSH key is a cryptographic key used to securely authenticate your computer with GitHub (or any other remote server).

The main purpose of using SSH keys with GitHub is security . Imagine this: if you’re working on a project and need to commit code 100 times in a single day, you’d have to enter your username and password every time you push or pull changes. This process can be tedious, time-consuming, and inefficient.

However, by using SSH keys, GitHub can authenticate you automatically without requiring you to repeatedly enter your credentials. This not only saves time but also enhances security, as SSH keys are much harder to compromise compared to passwords.