Git Basics

What is Version Control?

At its core, version control is a system that tracks changes made to files over time. It allows you to:

• Revert to previous versions: If a new change introduces a bug, you can easily revert to a previous, working version.
• Track changes: See exactly who made which changes, when, and why. This is invaluable for collaboration and debugging.
• Experiment freely: Create different branches of your project to explore new ideas without affecting the main codebase.
• Collaborate effectively: Work with others on the same project without overwriting each other’s changes.

What is Git?

Git is a distributed version control system – a powerful tool that has revolutionized how developers manage their code. “Distributed” means that every developer has a complete copy of the project’s history on their local machine. This makes Git incredibly fast and efficient, even when working offline.

Key Concepts in Git

• Repository: A repository is a collection of files and their histories. It’s the core unit of Git.
• Commit: A commit is a snapshot of the project’s state at a particular point in time. Each commit includes changes made since the previous commit, along with a message describing those changes.
• Branch: A branch is an independent line of development. It allows you to work on new features or experiment with changes without affecting the main codebase.

The Git Workflow

1. Working Directory: This is where you make changes to your files.
2. Staging Area: Before committing changes, you “stage” them. This prepares the selected changes to be included in the next commit.
3. Commit History: Once you commit, a snapshot of the project is created and added to the commit history.

Good Commit Practices

• Frequent Commits: Commit often (e.g., after completing a small task). This creates a detailed history and makes it easier to revert to previous versions if needed.
• Meaningful Commit Messages: Write clear and concise commit messages that describe the changes made. This helps you and your team understand the history of the project. Try to formulate the message as an imperative.