Git - Version Control System

  • Git
  • Coding

May 22, 2023

Git is a widely used version control system designed to efficiently manage changes in projects or files. But what does that exactly mean?

Imagine you and your friends are writing a movie script. Git keeps track of all the changes you make to the script, like who added what, and lets everyone see the whole history of the script. It also enables you and your friends to work on different parts of the script at the same time without messing up each other's work. So, Git makes it easy for people to collaborate and create amazing things together.

However, Git isn't just useful for working with others, you can also use it when working on your own. Let's say you're writing an essay. You write your first draft on day one. Then, on day two, you start a second draft and save it as "version 2". On day three you make some changes and save it as "version 3". After a week you end up with multiple versions of your work, not knowing what you changed from version 1 to 2 and so on. It rapidly get's messy and confusing.

Instead of doing that, you should use Git to help you. It keeps track of each step you take and allows you to go back to any previous stage if you make a mistake or want to try something different. It's like having an "undo" button for your work. Moreover, it helps you stay organized, keeps a record of your progress, and gives you the freedom to explore different ideas without worrying about losing your work. And as a bonus: it's free and open source.

Now, it's important to know that Git will require a bit of learning at the beginning, since you'll have to use command lines, but once you get the hang of it, it can be a powerful tool. If you're not comfortable with command lines, there are also graphical interfaces available for Git that provide a visual way to interact with the system.

If you're a developer, it's important to know that at some point, you'll likely have to work with Git. It has become an essential tool in the development process, enabling collaboration, managing code changes, and facilitating project organization. So, learning Git will be beneficial for your programming journey.

For more informationm and documentation, you can check out the Git website.