Sometimes your roommate spills water on your computer for a second time.
Why would I upload .bash_profile to github?
If you keep your config files uploaded to github, you can avoid having to recreate your dotfiles like .bash_profile every time you need to set up a new computer. For most people, setting up a new computer happens once very rarely, but this also makes it extremely hard when you have to relearn all your bash configuration settings.
What is the version controlled bash_profile strategy?
Step 1: Create a directory specifically for your bash settings
The directory name could be anything but I use ~/.bash
This is necessary because you are going to create a git repo and not a single file git gist
Step 2: Create a sample .bash_profile in your new directory
You can add a sample alias such as alias bp="vim ~/.bash_profile"
Step 3: Create a symbolic link to your home directory
$ ln -s ~/.bash/.bash_profile ./bash_profile
Step 4: Create a git repo called .bash , git init and upload your new directory
Done!
What if I encounter a new computer?
Simple!
Step 1: Encounter a new computer
Step 2: Pull down your .bash repo in your home directory
Step 3: Create your symbolic link
$ ln -s ~/.bash/.bash_profile ./bash_profile