Git is a distributed version control system used to track changes in source code during software development. It allows multiple developers to collaborate on a project by enabling them to work on different parts of the codebase simultaneously, while keeping a record of all changes made. Git efficiently manages versions of code, allowing developers to revert to previous versions, compare changes, and merge different contributions into a cohesive project.
One of the key features of Git is that it is distributed, meaning that every developer has a complete copy of the entire codebase and its history on their local machine. This allows for faster access to the project's history and makes it easier to work offline. Git also supports branching and merging, enabling developers to experiment or work on features in isolation before merging their changes into the main codebase. Popular platforms like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket provide cloud-based repositories for storing Git-managed projects, offering collaboration tools like pull requests, issue tracking, and code review. Git has become an essential tool for modern software development due to its flexibility, speed, and scalability.