Git is a version control system that tracks all changes made to a file or set of files and versions of these changes. It stores these changes in a historical way. Git is developed by Linus Torvalds (the creator of Linux). It also allows you to work with other programmers. A Version Control System (VCS) is a collection of software tools that help a team manage changes in source code. It uses a special kind of database to keep track of every change made to the code. Developers can access all the changes made in the code during software development. Version Control Systems have an essential place in DevOps, Development and Test Automation processes.
Benefits of Version Control System (VCS)
Version Control System is very useful and helpful in software development. It is not safe to develop software without using a Version Control System. It provides backup for uncertainty. Version control systems offer developers a fast interface. It also allows software teams to maintain productivity and agility. Some of the main benefits of having a version control system are having a file’s full change history, simultaneous operation, and traceability.
What is Distributed Version Control System?
The Central Version Control System uses a central server to store the entire database and team collaboration. But due to the single point failure that meant the failure of the central server, the developers developed the Distributed Version Control System. Git is a Distributed Version Control System. In the Distributed Version Control System the user has a local copy of a repository. The local repository contains all files and metadata contained in the main repository. Distributed Version Control System allows automated management branches and consolidation and speeds up most operations.
The Distributed Version Control System improves the ability to work offline and does not rely on a single location for backups. If any server fails and other systems cooperate through it, this server can restore any of its client pools. Central Version Control Systems are systems that use client and server architecture. In a central Version Control System, one or more client systems are directly connected to a central server.
We need some tools to explore Git’s robust functionality. Git comes with some tools like Git Bash, Git GUI to provide the interface between machine and user. It supports built-in and third-party tools. Git provides powerful functionality to get the most out of it.
Git Bash is an application for the Windows environment. It is used as a Git command line on Windows. Git Bash provides an emulation layer for the Git command-line experience. Bash is short for Bourne Again Shell. The Git package installer includes Bash, Bash utilities and Git in the Windows operating system.
Git GUI is a powerful alternative to Git Bash. Git offers extensive visual diff tools as well as a graphical version of the command line functionality. It is possible to access it by right-clicking a folder or location in Windows Explorer.
Gitk is a graphical history viewer. This tool is used to find something that has happened in the past or to visualize the history of your project. You can call Gitk from the command line.
There are many third-party tools available on the market to enhance Git’s functionality and provide an improved user interface. These tools are available for different platforms such as Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS.
What is GitHub?
GitHub is a storage service for software projects that use Git as their version control system. While GitHub offers paid membership options for private repositories, it is free for open-source projects. Git and GitHub should not be confused with each other. If students become a member with a special education account, they can have private repositories free of charge. Click here for more information about the GitHub education account.
GitHub was founded in 2008. It is the most popular storage service preferred by open-source projects. With GitHub, you can have your project seen and evaluated by everyone around the world. You can improve yourself with the codes shared on GitHub. First of all, you need to create an account to use GitHub. You can register via this link.
What is GitLab?
GitLab is a Git service that offers all the functions that GitHub provides to users. You can create and manage your open-source projects on this service free of charge. GitLab is mostly preferred by companies because its free version includes a GitLab service that can only be accessed by in-house users by installing it on your own servers. You can register GitLab via this link.
What is a Repository?
Repository or repo is a directory where the files of your projects are stored. It can be found in GitHub and GitLab’s domain, or in a local repository on your computer. You can store files, photos, sounds or anything related to your project in your repository.
What is a Branch?
Branch is a copy of your repository. You can use branch when you want to make a separate development from others.
Working on the branch that you created for your works does not affect the central repository or other branches. When you’re done, you can use the pull request to merge your branch with other branches and the central repository.
What is a Pull Request?
Pull Request means that you inform the people you work with on your project that you are pushing the change you made in a branch to the main repository. Other contributors of this repository can accept or reject the pull request. When the pull request is opened, you can discuss and review your work with your collaborators.
What is a Fork?
Forking a repository means making a new project on the existing repository. Simply fork a repo, copy the existing repository, make the changes you need, store the new version as a new repository and call it “My Project”.
This is a great feature that supports project development. Because, although this is a completely new project, it does not affect the central repository. If the ‘master’ project has been updated, you can also apply the update to your existing fork.
What is a Commit?
Commit is a process that saves changes made to the code permanently in the Git repository. After performing certain operations in the project, it is necessary to commit the files.