Version Control System
This chapter will cover how to get started with Git. We’ll start with some information on version control software, then go on to how to get Git operating on your system and lastly how to get it ready to use. By the end of this chapter, you should understand why Git exists, why you should use it, and how to get started.
Table of contents
- What is version control system?
- Why Version Control system is so Important?
- Benefits of the version control system
- Types of Version Control Systems
- Purpose of Version Control:
What is version control system?
Version control systems refer to a type of software that supports in recording of changes made to files by keeping track of changes performed in the code.
Why Version Control system is so Important?
As we all know, a software product is developed collaboratively by a group of developers who might be placed in different locations and that each contributes to a certain type of functionality/features. So, in order to contribute to the product, they modified the source code. A version control system is a type of software that enables the development team to communicate easily and manage any changes made to the source code, as well as information such as who made the changes and what modifications were made. Basically, a version control system maintains track of changes made to a specific piece of software and takes a snapshot of each alteration.
Benefits of the version control system
- Increases project development pace by facilitating effective collaboration.
- Improves productivity, product delivery, and staff capabilities through better communication and training.
- Reduce the possibility of mistakes and problems during project development by tracing every tiny change.
- It tells us Who, What, When, and Why modifications were done.
Types of Version Control Systems
Version Control System models have evolved over time, including the following:
Local Version Control Systems (LVCS)
It is one of the most basic forms, with a database that keeps all modifications to files under revision control. Revision Control System (RCS) is one of the most widely used VCS tools. It keeps patch sets on disk in a specific format. Then it can re-create what any file looked like at any point in time by adding up all the patches.
Centralized Version Control Systems (CVCS)
Centralized version control systems have a single repository that all users must commit to in order for their changes to be reflected in the repository. By updating, others may be able to see your changes.
The benefit of CVCS (Centralized Version Control Systems) is that it improves developer collaboration as well as providing some insight into what everyone else is working on the project. It enables administrators to have fine-grained control over who can and cannot do what.
Distributed Version Control Systems (DVCS)
Distributed version control systems have multiple repositories. Each user has their own repository and working copy. Simply committing your modifications will not allow others to access it. This is due to the fact that commit will only reflect those changes in your local repository, and you must push them to make them available on the central repository. Similarly, when you update, you do not get others’ modifications until you first pull them into your repository.
Purpose of Version Control:
A single project can be worked on by several persons at the same time. Everyone works on and modifies their own copy of the files, and they decide when to share their changes with the rest of the team.
It also allows one person to utilize many computers to work on a project, making it useful even if you are working alone.
It integrates work done simultaneously by different members of the team. In some rare cases, when two persons make conflicting edits to the same line of a file, the version control system may request human assistance in deciding what should be done.
Version control allows you to access a project’s previous versions. This is protection against computer breakdowns and data loss. If an error occurs, you may quickly revert to a prior version. It is also possible to reverse particular adjustments without losing any work done in the meantime. It is simple to determine when, why, and by whom any section of a file was modified.