Version Control with Git

Git is a distributed version control system that allows developers to track changes in their code, collaborate with others, and maintain a detailed history of their projects. This guide covers the basics of Git, its core commands, and best practices for effective version control.

What is Git?

Definition: Git is a tool for tracking changes in source code during software development.
Key Features: Distributed architecture, branching, merging, and a robust history of changes.

Basic Git Commands

Initialization:
```
git init
```
Initializes a new Git repository.
Cloning:
```
git clone [repository URL]
```
Clones an existing repository from a remote server.
Staging and Committing:
```
git add .
git commit -m "Commit message"
```
Stages changes and commits them to the repository.
Viewing Status and History:
```
git status
git log
```

Branching and Merging

Creating a Branch:
```
git branch feature-branch
```
Switching Branches:
```
git checkout feature-branch
```
Merging Branches:
```
git merge feature-branch
```

Collaborative Workflows

Remote Repositories: Use platforms like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket.
Pull Requests: Facilitate code reviews and collaboration.
Rebasing:
```
git rebase main
```
Helps keep a clean commit history.

Best Practices

Write clear, descriptive commit messages.
Commit small, incremental changes.
Regularly synchronize your local repository with remote changes.

Additional Resources

💻 OS & Editors 🌍 HTTP/HTTPS