A beginners guide to Git: Version control, Tracking changes, Pushing and Pulling Code.

Source: Dev.to

What Version Control Is

Version control is a system that records changes to files over time. It lets you:

• Track every modification you make to your files.
• Identify who made each change and when.
• Save snapshots of your project at specific points in time.

What Git Is and Why It Matters

Git is a distributed version‑control system that runs locally on your computer. It is essential for:

• Collaborating with teams worldwide.
• Working safely without fear of losing work.
• Showcasing your code to potential employers.
• Contributing to open‑source projects.

Installing Git

• Windows, macOS, Linux: Download and install Git from the official site.
• Verify the installation by running:

git --version

How Git Tracks Changes

Git uses three main areas:

1. Working Directory – where you edit files.
2. Staging Area – where you select the changes you want to record.
3. Repository (History) – where Git permanently stores snapshots (commits).

A commit is a snapshot of your project at a specific time. View the commit history with:

git log

Pushing and Pulling Code

Pushing Code to GitHub

git push -u origin 

Running this command uploads your local commits to GitHub, making them visible to others.

Pulling Code from GitHub

git pull origin main

git pull fetches and merges changes from the remote repository into your local copy. It’s especially important when:

• Working on multiple machines.
• Collaborating with others.
• Keeping your local repository up‑to‑date.

Best Practices for Beginners

• Commit often and keep commits small.
• Write clear, descriptive commit messages.
• Pull (git pull) before you start new work to avoid conflicts.

Why Git Is Essential for Your Career

• Enables seamless collaboration across the globe.
• Provides a safety net for your codebase.
• Allows you to demonstrate your work to employers.
• Opens the door to contributing to open‑source projects.

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Git may feel confusing at first, but with practice it becomes second nature. Start small, make mistakes, learn, and keep going.