Version control is a system that tracks changes to files over time, enabling developers to collaborate and manage code history. It allows teams to branch, merge, tag releases, and experiment safely. Version control prevents loss of work and provides visibility into how a project evolves. Git is the most widely used system today, powering tools like GitHub and GitLab. Version control underpins modern development workflows and CI/CD pipelines.
how it works
A version control system stores snapshots or diffs of project files. Developers clone repositories, edit files locally, and commit changes. Branching allows independent lines of work, while merging integrates them back together. Version control systems help resolve conflicts when multiple people edit the same code. Continuous integration tools use version control events to trigger tests and deployments. Understanding version control is essential for team based development.