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What is Git

What is Git?

Git is a distributed version control system (VCS) designed to handle everything from small to very large projects with speed and efficiency. It is an open-source tool developed in 2005 by Linus Torvalds, the same person who created Linux.

What is a Version Control System (VCS)?​

A Version Control System is a system that records changes to a file or set of files over time so that you can recall specific versions later. It allows you to revert files back to a previous state, revert the entire project back to a previous state, compare changes over time, see who last modified something that might be causing a problem, who introduced an issue and when, and more.

Why Use Git?​

There are several reasons why developers should use Git:

  • Backup and Restore: The main benefit of using a VCS like Git is that it allows you to have 'versions' of your project, which show the changes that were made to the code over time, and lets you go back to a specific version if necessary.

  • Collaboration: Git makes it easier for teams to work together, especially when they are in different locations. Everyone can have a full copy of the project, so they can work on it independently, and changes can be merged together when they are ready.

  • Staging Area: Git has a 'staging area' where it stores changes that you want to commit. When you make a change, you decide whether or not to add it to the staging area. This gives you a lot of control over what you want to commit.

  • Fast and Small: Git is designed to be fast and to handle large projects. It has an efficient mechanism to handle large projects and a compact file structure.

  • Branching: In Git, 'branching' is a powerful feature that allows you to create a new 'branch' of your project to work on. You can then merge this branch back into your main project when you're ready.

How Does Git Work?​

Git has a repository, which is the directory where all of your project files, and the related metadata, is stored. The repository is stored in a hidden directory within your project called .git.

When you make a change to your project, Git records what was changed in a 'commit'. A commit is like a snapshot of your project, and you can switch between these snapshots, or 'check them out', as you please.

Conclusion​

Git is a powerful tool for version control. Its speed, efficiency, and robustness have made it the number one version control system for many developers. Understanding how Git works will provide a solid foundation for more advanced usage and a better collaboration process.