Git Versions and Release Dates

Remarks

Git is a free, distributed version control system designed for tracking code changes through "snapshots" (commits). Commits, stored in a Git Repository, enable collaborative testing, debugging, and feature development. Repositories can be hosted locally, on private servers, or on open-source platforms like GitHub.

Branching in Git

Git facilitates the creation of code branches, allowing different versions to coexist. This enables scenarios such as a stable version, a branch with new features, and another with different features. Creating and merging branches in Git is a seamless process.

Git Code Areas

1. Working Directory:
   • The primary workspace for creating, editing, deleting, and organizing files.
2. Staging Area:
   • Where changes made in the working directory are listed before committing.
3. Repository:
   • Git's permanent storage for project changes in various versions.

Git's Origin

Originally developed for managing the Linux kernel source, Git encourages small commits, project forking, and branch merging. Noteworthy changes from traditional systems like CVS or Subversion include the inclusion of the entire project history in each checkout.

Local Operations in Git

Common operations such as diffing, checking out older revisions, committing locally, creating branches, and merging can be done without communication with a central server. Interactions with the "upstream" repository are mainly for syncing changes. This organizational flexibility contrasts with the technical constraint of traditional ownership.

By making local operations efficient, Git empowers developers with more control over project history and collaborative workflows.