Introduction

Imagine you’re working on a file and making changes over time. You might follow these steps:

1. Edit the file until you reach a milestone.
2. Create a copy and name it something like file-version-1.
3. Continue making more changes.
4. Save another copy, naming it file-version-2.

But why would do you that?

Here’s some reasons why:
1. Backup: If something goes wrong, an earlier version is available to restore progress.
2. Experimentation: You can test new ideas while keeping a copy of the original to fall back on if needed.
3. Progress Tracking: It helps you see how a project evolves over time by preserving versions of key stages.
4. And more: These aren't the only reasons, but they highlight why versioning is so useful.

While this example focuses on a single file, the same approach works for projects with many files or entire folders. Each time you make a significant change, you might save a version of the entire project.

But

Manually copying and pasting files and folders to save different versions is not a good way to manage your work.

What are the disadvantages of manually managing file versions?
Select all that apply:

Easy to make mistakes Wastes storage space Takes too much time Gets messy with big projects Bad for teamwork Check Answers

With a version control system like Git, you can manage your files and projects much more effectively without the disadvantages of manual versioning.

Git automatically tracks changes to your files, so you don’t have to create separate copies every time. This saves time and keeps your work organized.

Instead of wasting storage space with duplicate files, Git only stores the changes, making it efficient for small or large projects.

Git also makes teamwork easier. Multiple people can work on the same project without overwriting each other’s changes. It helps keep everything neat and synchronized.

In short, Git simplifies version control, whether you’re working alone or in a team.

With Git, managing versions becomes simple and powerful, letting you focus on your work instead of worrying about backups or messy file systems.

Now that you know why Git is helpful, let’s dive in and learn how to use it step by step.