> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.replit.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect to your repository

> Connect your GitHub or GitLab account from Replit's repositories page, choose a repository, and open a chat to get your app running and start making changes.

Start from [Repositories](https://replit.com/repos) in Replit to connect your GitHub or GitLab account and choose the codebase you want to work on.

## Connect your account and choose a repository

**1. Connect your Git account**

Open [Repositories](https://replit.com/repos), choose GitHub or GitLab, and follow the prompts to connect your account. Review the requested access before approving it.

![Repositories in Replit, with GitHub and GitLab connection controls and a Use in chat action beside each repository.](https://mintcdn.com/replit/ZvLiuMLrojYoqf3I/images/code-contributions/repositories.jpg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=ZvLiuMLrojYoqf3I\&q=85\&s=41ee70068611fc2d6446099be29982f1)

If your account is already connected, skip to choosing a repository.

**2. Choose your repository**

Find your repository in the list and select **Use in chat** to start getting the app running with Replit.

If you can't find it, check that your connected account has access. See [Manage repository access](https://docs.replit.com/build/code/manage-repository-access.md) for help.

## What happens next

When you share a repository and ask Replit to work on it, Replit prepares or reuses a [sandbox](https://docs.replit.com/build/code/navigate-your-workspace.md#files-and-environment) and brings in a development copy of the code.

* **Repository instructions:** Files such as `AGENTS.md` and `CLAUDE.md` come with the repository and help Replit follow your team's conventions.
* **Skills:** Skills stored in the repository come with it too. Replit reads relevant `SKILL.md` instructions when needed for the task.
* **Development setup:** When you ask to run the app, Replit prepares the tools and dependencies and starts a preview. A working setup can later be saved as a reusable environment.

Connecting your Git account alone does not start the app or create a saved environment. See [How coding with Replit works](https://docs.replit.com/build/code/working-with-code.md) for the full flow.

Next: [Run your app in Replit](https://docs.replit.com/build/code/run-your-first-preview.md) using your repository or the demo.