Introduction to Git – A Beginner's Guide to Version Control
What is Git?
Git is a distributed version control system (DVCS) that helps developers track changes in code, collaborate efficiently, and keep project history organized.
Unlike older version control systems like SVN (Subversion), Git allows you to work offline and commit changes locally. You only need an internet connection when syncing your work with a remote repository like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket.
✅ Developed by Linus Torvalds (the creator of Linux) in 2005
✅ Used by millions of developers and companies worldwide
✅ Fast, free, and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux
Why Do Developers Use Git for Version Control?
Here’s why Git is widely used for managing code:
- Distributed Workflow – Unlike SVN, you have a full copy of the repository on your local machine.
- Work Offline – You don’t need an internet connection to make changes, commit code, or switch branches.
- Track Every Change – See who changed what and when.
- Undo Mistakes – Roll back to previous versions if needed.
- Work on Features Separately – Use "branches" to develop new features without affecting the main project.
- Collaboration Made Easy – Multiple developers can work on the same project without conflicts.
- Industry Standard – Used by companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.
Git vs. GitHub – What's the Difference?
Many people confuse Git and GitHub, but they are not the same thing!
| Feature | Git (Version Control) | GitHub (Online Repository) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Distributed Version Control System | Cloud-based Git repository hosting |
| Where it runs | On your local computer | On the web (GitHub.com) |
| Main Use | Tracks and manages changes in code | Stores and shares Git repositories online |
| Works Offline? | Yes ✅ (Fully functional offline) | No ❌ (Requires internet) |
| Best For | Local version control and offline work | Team collaboration and open-source projects |
Think of Git as the "tool" that tracks changes, while GitHub is the "platform" that stores and shares your code online.
Git vs. SVN – What's the Difference?
Before Git, many developers used SVN (Subversion) for version control. Each system has different strengths, and the right choice depends on the project's needs.
| Feature | Git (DVCS) | SVN (Centralized VCS) |
|---|---|---|
| Repository Type | Distributed – Every user has a full copy | Centralized – Code stored on a single server |
| Works Offline? | Yes ✅ – You can commit offline | No ❌ – Requires an internet connection, unless the repository is locally hosted |
| Branching | Fast and lightweight, encourages frequent branching | Slower and can be complex to manage |
| Speed | Faster – Works locally | Slower – Relies on a central server unless locally hosted |
| Folder Handling | Does not track empty folders ❌ | Can track empty folders ✅ |
| Best Suited For | Large, fast-moving projects with many contributors | Structured projects where folder-based versioning is needed |
Key Differences:
- Git is distributed, so every developer has a full copy of the repository, allowing them to work independently.
- SVN is centralized and typically requires an active connection to a central server to commit changes, unless the repository is locally hosted.
- SVN supports empty folders, making it useful for version-controlling folder structures.
- Git is better suited for collaborative, fast-moving projects, while SVN may be a good choice for teams needing strict folder-based versioning.
How Git Works – A Quick Overview
Git follows a simple workflow to track changes in your code:
1️⃣ Create a Git repository – Initialize a new project with Git (git init).
2️⃣ Make changes & track them – Modify files and add them to Git (git add).
3️⃣ Save your work – Commit your changes with a message (git commit).
4️⃣ Work with branches – Create separate branches for new features (git branch).
5️⃣ Merge changes – Combine branches when the feature is ready (git merge).
6️⃣ Sync with GitHub – Push your code to GitHub to collaborate (git push).
Getting Started with Git
Now that you know what Git is, let’s set it up on your computer!
Next: Installing Git – Learn how to install Git on Windows, Mac, or Linux.