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Git is a free and open source distributed version control system designed to handle everything from small to very large projects with speed and efficiency.
Git logo - the distributed version control system
Git is a version control system that tracks changes in your code over time. Think of it like a time machine for your files — you can go back to any previous version, see what changed, and work on different features simultaneously without breaking things.
When you're working on a project, Git creates a repository (repo) that stores every version of your files. Instead of saving files like project_v1.py, project_v2.py, project_final.py, Git keeps one set of files and remembers all the changes you made.
Key Concepts:
- Commit: A snapshot of your code at a specific point in time
- Branch: A parallel version of your code where you can work on features without affecting the main code
- Merge: Combining changes from different branches
- Repository: The folder where Git tracks your project
Why It Matters:
- Collaboration: Multiple people can work on the same codebase without conflicts
- History: See exactly what changed, when, and why
- Safety: Easy to undo mistakes or revert to working versions
- Branching: Test new features without breaking existing code
FAQ
What's the difference between Git and GitHub?
Git is the version control software that runs on your computer. GitHub is a website that hosts Git repositories online, making it easy to share code and collaborate.
Do I need to use Git for small projects?
Not required, but it's still useful. Even for solo projects, Git helps you track changes, experiment safely, and maintain a history of your work.
Is Git hard to learn?
The basics are simple: add, commit, push, pull. Advanced features take time, but you can be productive with just a few commands.