Version control systems track modifications to source code and other project files over time. They record every change, including who made it, when, and why, allowing developers to review history, revert to previous states, and understand how a project evolved. This record is stored in a repository, which serves as a central archive accessible to team members.
Branching is a fundamental feature. Developers create separate lines of work for new features, bug fixes, or experiments without affecting the main codebase. Once work is complete and tested, changes can be merged back, combining contributions safely. This approach supports parallel development, where multiple people work on different aspects simultaneously without conflicts.
Merging tools help resolve discrepancies when the same file is edited in different branches. Conflict markers highlight differences, and developers decide how to combine the changes. Commit messages provide context, explaining the purpose of each update, which aids future maintenance and onboarding of new team members.
Distributed version control allows every developer to have a full copy of the repository, enabling offline work and faster operations. Centralized systems rely on a single server, which simplifies access management but requires constant connectivity. Both types support hooks and automation for running tests or deployments after certain events.
These systems reduce the risk of lost work, improve accountability, and facilitate code reviews before integration. They are essential for maintaining stable, collaborative software projects of any scale.
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