How to set up an SSH config-file for beginners

Question

First I am fairly new to SSH.

From this question I have seen the need and benefit of setting up an SSH config file. While I was doing my research I noticed that there is a lot to know on SSH and I also found out that I have been using SSH keys and not the SSH server. I have been using the keys to push my code to my hosted repos.

So now my questions are(I am using windows 10):

1. Can I set up an SSH config file without a tool like openSSH, if so how do I do it?
2. Where in my computer is this config file stored?

Answer 1

Generally, in Windows machine, the SSH config file stored in the following location: /c/Users/PC_USER_NAME/.ssh/

Just follow the steps in below (if you're using the Git Bash):

1. Go to the .ssh directory /c/Users/PC_USER_NAME/.ssh/, click right mouse button and choose "Git Bash Here"
2. Create a file named "config" with the following command:

touch config

3. Now open the config file with the command:

nano config

4. Now write the following lines inside the config file

Let's assume you've created two files named id_rsa_hub for Github and id_rsa_lab for GitLab

# GITHUB
Host github.com
   HostName github.com
   PreferredAuthentications publickey
   IdentityFile ~/.ssh/id_rsa_hub

# GITLAB
Host gitlab.com
   HostName gitlab.com
   PreferredAuthentications publickey
   IdentityFile ~/.ssh/id_rsa_lab