"Demystifying Version Control: Understanding Git & How to Harness the Power of Git"

Introduction

Have you ever faced the frustration of your code working perfectly on your computer but encountering issues when shared with others?

Well, fear not! There's a superhero in the world of software development called Git. Git is like a digital maestro that helps you manage and collaborate on your code projects. It keeps track of changes, allows multiple people to work together seamlessly, and ensures your code is synchronized and ready to shine on any developer's screen.

So, let's dive into understanding what a version control system (VCS), source code management (SCM) tools, and Git are all about!

What is Git?

Git is a distributed version control system (VCS) and source code management (SCM) tool. It is free and open-source software that allows multiple developers to collaborate on a project by tracking changes to files and coordinating their work.

• Designed and developed by Linus Torvalds for Linux kernel development in 2005. Want to know more about its history? Click here.
• I hope you are aware of the term open-source. So there are three terms I have highlighted that need to be discussed to understand what is Git.

Version Control System(VCS)

It is one of the features of SCM tools, that helps software developers, both individually and collaboratively, manage changes to source code over time. The main purpose of a VCS is to keep track of every modification to the code in a systematic way.

Key benefits:

• Revert to Previous States: Easily revert selected files or the entire project back to a previous state/version.
• Change Comparison: Compare changes over time to track how your project evolves.
• Accountability: Identify who last modified a file causing issues or introducing a problem, along with when it happened.
• Data Recovery: Quickly recover files or projects in case of mistakes or data loss.
• Low Overhead: Enjoy these benefits with minimal additional effort and complexity.

Later, you will encounter the word Repository or Git Repository. A Git repository refers to the entire project directory that is managed and tracked by Git. It contains both the source code files of the project as well as metadata about changes stored in a hidden .git folder.

Types of Version Control Systems

Here are the three main types of version control systems explained with examples:

Local VCS:

• Only one developer works on the codebase stored locally on their machine.
• No collaboration or sharing of changes with others.
• Example: Local directory of files with incremental numbered versions like File_v1, File_v2 etc.

Centralized VCS:

• The codebase is stored centrally on a server.
• Developers periodically check out the latest version, work locally and check in changes.
• Example: Subversion (SVN) - code repository on the central server, developers check out code and commit changes back to the central repo.

Distributed VCS:

• The codebase is distributed among all developer's machines, not just centralized on the server.
• It simply means every developer working with the repository has their source code files of the project as well as metadata about changes.
• Developers work offline and sync changes when connecting to the network.
• Example: Git - the full codebase is cloned to local machines, and changes are committed locally and pushed/pulled from the central repo.

Key differences:

• Local VCS is isolated, others enable collaboration
• Centralized VCS has a single point of failure but easier integration management
• Distributed VCS has no single point of failure and more flexible workflows but integration requires coordination

In summary, distributed VCS like Git provides the most flexibility for collaboration while ensuring no data loss due to its decentralized nature.

Source Code Management(SCM)

SCM (Source Code Management) tools help developers manage source code changes during software development. Some key SCM tools and their main features include:

• Git
• Subversion (SVN) - Centralized version control system.
• Mercurial - Another distributed version control system similar to Git. Supports local branching and distributed development, etc.

The main features that SCM tools provide include - tracking changes to code over time, the ability to revert to older code versions, access control and permissions, code branching/merging, code reviews, and collaboration between developers. Distributed tools like Git provide additional advantages for geographically distributed teams.

"No worries! If all of this feels unfamiliar, don't fret. We'll delve into these concepts in greater detail in upcoming articles."

Why Git, Not other SCM tools?

Though there are many reasons which I will discuss when they are used in upcoming articles, one of the great reasons I believe is Snapshot perfection.

Git has the magical ability to take a snapshot of your project at any given moment. This snapshot captures not just the code but the entire state of your creative masterpiece—every intricate detail, every configuration, every twist and turn of your development journey—all preserved in a timeless capsule. No other SCM tool offers such a pristine, comprehensive view of your code's history.

• Each checkin version of the overall code has a copy of each file in it.
• More redundancy, but faster.

So again, What is Git?

Git is a distributed version control system (VCS) and source code management (SCM) tool. It is free and open-source software that allows multiple developers to collaborate on a project by tracking changes to files and coordinating their work.

I hope while reviewing the definition again, you didn't feel confused or overwhelmed and are now familiar with the term "Git".

Relaxed? ??

Let's conclude the article...

Conclusion

In this exhilarating journey, we've delved into the realm of Git and unveiled its captivating power. From snapshot perfection to the intricate dance of version control, we've uncovered the magic that sets Git apart.

As we conclude our Git exploration, brace yourself for the next adventure. Our upcoming article will delve into Git workflows, hands-on installation, and exciting coding exercises. Get ready to immerse yourself in Git's dynamic world. Stay tuned for what's next!

Thank You ! for being an amazing reader. Hoping for your valuable feedback.

References:

Git

GeeksForGeeks

JavaTpoint