Version Control with Git

1. Introduction

Version control is a system that records changes to files over time so that you can recall specific versions later. Git is a popular distributed version control system that helps developers work on projects collaboratively without overwriting each other's work.

2. Installation

To install Git, follow these steps:

Download the installer from git-scm.com.

Run the installer and follow the instructions.

Verify the installation by running git --version in your command line.

3. Basic Commands

Here are some fundamental Git commands:

git init - Initializes a new Git repository.

git clone [url] - Clones a repository into a new directory.

git add [file] - Stages a file for commit.

git commit -m "message" - Commits the staged changes.

git status - Shows the status of changes in the working directory.

4. Branching

Branching allows you to work on different versions of a project simultaneously. Here’s how to create and switch branches:

Create a new branch: git branch [branch-name]

Switch to the new branch: git checkout [branch-name]

Combine both commands: git checkout -b [branch-name]

5. Merging

To merge changes from one branch into another, follow these steps:


            git checkout [branch-to-merge-into]
            git merge [branch-to-merge]

Resolve any merge conflicts if they occur.

6. Best Practices

Here are some best practices for using Git effectively:

Commit often with meaningful messages.

Use branches for new features or fixes.

Pull changes from the main branch regularly.

Keep your repository organized and clean.

7. FAQ

What is the difference between Git and GitHub?

Git is a version control system; GitHub is a platform that hosts Git repositories and offers collaboration features.

What is a merge conflict?

A merge conflict happens when two branches have competing changes that Git cannot automatically resolve.

Can I undo a commit?

Yes, you can use git reset or git revert to undo a commit, depending on your needs.