Git is a Distributed Version Control System, making it easy to secure your source code. Track the changes or collaborate with the developers easily.
Why Do You Need Git for Versioning Control?
Development is a comprehensive process that relies heavily on data. Fortunately, a versioning control software aims at simplifying things for the developers.
Version control or source code control is the mechanism that makes tracking the source code easy by recording and storing every change in the database.
It holds great significance as software development includes numerous changes/updates before and after launch. These updates make the products better and keep them in sync with the latest market trends. However, with time, they become difficult to track, this is where version control software can help.
How Does a Version Control System Work?
A version control system (VCS) follows a simple pathway that stores all the versions of your file and the related changes. It essentially consists of a repository (database of changes) and a working copy (where you work.)
Moreover, it also facilitates storing the changes you have made but have not applied yet. Here are some other terms that come in handy while working with a version control in software engineering
- You have to commit the changes to the repository by adding notes to make it easier to go through these changes when you revisit them.
- Push adds the changes to the repository and makes them accessible for everyone.
- Pull the changes to access them.
- Update when all the changes are merged and applied.
- Sometimes, multiple users make the same changes. These lead to a conflict you can merge to go ahead with them.
Benefits of a Version Control System
Version control is the best option for the security of the source code. But in addition to this, it also brings along more benefits like:
Easy collaboration
Software development is an all-inclusive process that consists of a team of developers who make changes in the source code at their respective systems, this makes integrating these changes a task. A VCS creates a separate window for each contributor. These changes are saved but are not merged into the main code until someone approves them.
Safety of the source code
Versioning control makes it easier to track all the changes in the source code. Therefore, it is safe from any updates related errors.
Easy Tracing
Sometimes, during the development process, you have to go back to the source code of the previous version where the error has appeared and fix it. And, having a versioning control system makes it easier.
Access to all the versions
With Version Control in software engineering, the developers get access to all the historical versions of a project. This protects data from losses, making it easy to roll back to the previous versions if things go wrong. Using a versioning control method is also easy to ensure data security and disaster recovery.
More uses (Can be added in the form of an image)
- For a backup
- To fix problems
- Restoring old versions
- Storing source control
- Reduces errors
- Multiple team members
- Disaster Recovery
Types of Version Control
There are different types of version control systems. So, you can pick up the one that fits your needs and makes working easier for you. Git is a distributed version control system, we shall be discussed briefly below. For now, go through the three main types of version control to make a perfect choice.
Local Version Control Systems
This is a popular type of version control system that works by storing patch sets or variations in a special format. It then retrieves these individual patches and adds them to create the exact file whenever needed.
Centralized Version Control Systems
It has just one repository where each user gets one working copy. It is noteworthy that here you commit to reflect the changes in the repository. The others can see the changes you make by updating the system.
It is very beneficial as it makes collaborating easy. However, all the users depend on the central system. So, the data is at risk if the main repository breaks down while others are updating the information.
Distributed Version Control Systems
There are numerous repositories in this method, one for each contributor. But here, in addition to committing to updating the changes, you also have to push them to make them available. Likewise, you can see the data from the other users only after pulling them out of the repository.
Using Git for Version Control
Git is a distributed version control system and presents an easy way to secure source code or collaborate with developers. Perhaps, one of the simplest version control systems. This VCS system has been operational since 2005 and is open-source or free to use.
Moreover, it lets you accomplish the tasks through uncomplicated commands. You can also access its private or free repositories from:
- Bitbucket
- GitHub
They are simple to use as you can also clone an existing repository by following the below command:
After cloning the repositories, synchronise the changes by pushing or pulling them. You can use the below command to pull the changes to the local repository.
The local changes, if any, are added and committed and then pushed to the remote repository. If you notice any conflict, merge the changes.
Further, add the local changes to the server using the command:
How to Make the Best of Version Controlling? – Best Practices
Version controlling presents an efficient mechanism that aids in collaborating and storing the data. Follow the below practices to make the most of it.
- Use frequent intent and follow standard methods to commit. The commits should be complete, traceable and consistent. Always add clear notes when you commit.
- Secure the source code by encrypting the data at both ends. Give access to only the authorized users.
- Ensure the traceability of all the previous versions. Store all the information like the author and reviewer comments, so that when you want to trace down a bug, you can easily do that.
- Maintain a dedicated reviewing process and review all the commits before merging them into the shared repository.
- Never break builds so that every commit is usable by the other members. Consequently, they will be usable by the other members without breaking the builds.
Concluding Words:
Version Control in software engineering provides a mechanism to store and track data. This allows collaboration and makes it easy to store data related to multiple versions of an application. Also known as source code method control, you can use these mechanisms with the help of tools like Git/Bitbucket or actions like pull, push and commit.
