What is the version control Git?

What is Git and how can it be used?

Software development requires a versatile and flexible version control system that stores differences between different versions and allows for the creation of experimental branches. One widely used solution for these needs, released under an open-source license, is the software Git. It allows for efficient administration of even highly complex projects. To make these projects accessible to all developers simultaneously, the responsible programmers typically publish their code on a Git hosting platform such as Github, Gitlab, or their own virtual or dedicated servers. This also serves as a platform for internal communication and the ability to publish proposals for changes in the source code (commits). Additionally, Git hosting allows authorised visitors to report errors (bugs) and potential security vulnerabilities (exploits) in the code or when using a program.

What connection does Git have to Linux and Open Source?

Linux and its derivatives are by far the most widely used operating system worldwide today. This is largely due to its use in a variety of devices - from smartphones and TVs to routers, modems, and connected household appliances like refrigerators and washing machines, as well as Linux servers on the internet. They all use a Linux kernel to which any user can submit suggestions and improvements. To coordinate development, Linux initially used the proprietary version control system Bitkeeper. When a change in licensing terms made it no longer freely available, Linus Torvalds, the person in charge of the Linux kernel, decided to create Git as a version control system that should meet several requirements:

• Parallel access by numerous developers
• Distribution of work and responsibility among participants
• Efficient and clear code management
• Creation of experimental branches for development
• Local storage of data and proposals with central coordination

From these specifications, Git developed - the name is derived from the British word for "fool". Torvalds ironically justified this choice in interviews by the fact that he likes to name projects after "himself" and the term Git is short, memorable, easy to type, and not yet used as a command.

What are the characteristics of Git?

Git is a distributed version control system (DVCS). This represents a fundamental difference from popular alternatives such as Apache Subversion (SVN), which prefers a centralized approach. With Git, each developer has their own local copy, storing both individual and public version history. This results in various advantages over centralised storage that Git can leverage:

• Quick and uncomplicated merging of versions (Merge)
• Easy creation of branches in the source code
• Decentralised synchronisation between different computers
• Git requires users to synchronise before uploading (Push) changes
• Balance between autonomy and consistency
• Suitable for both large and small projects
• Various tools for tasks such as debugging or code integration

Git fundamentally uses a flat hierarchy and grants all participants in a project the same rights. However, these rights can be finely differentiated if needed, ensuring only authorised individuals have access to critical data.

What is Git web hosting?

With Git web hosting, you have a central server that provides access to a program's source code and also stores developers' local changes. In most cases, those in charge use large platforms for this purpose, such as the web-based provider Gitlab or its competitor Github, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2018. Here we have a comparison of the two providers. Since the open-source software is subject to a permissive GNU General Public License, Git can also be set up with relatively little effort on your own virtual or dedicated server. This allows small and medium-sized businesses as well as corporations to carry out software development exclusively on their own hardware and within a self-managed IT infrastructure or isolated in the internal intranet. If you are looking for web hosting with Git support, you will find it here.

Photo: Angel Paredes Aldrete on Pixabay