What is version control and why is Git popular?

Version control, also known as source control, is a system that records changes to a file or set of files over time so that you can recall specific versions later. It allows multiple users to edit and manage the version history of any given document, file, or entire project base, therefore it is essential for collaborative coding environments. Here are some key reasons why version control is vital:

– Track Changes: It allows you to track who made changes to the content, what changes were made, and when those changes occurred. This is crucial in understanding the evolution of a project.

– Revert Files: If a mistake is made, you can go back to a previous version of your work, minimizing the risk of losing significant amounts of work.

– Concurrent Work: Multiple people can work on the same project simultaneously without overriding each other’s changes. This is facilitated through branches and merging.

– Review and Merge Features: Most version control systems allow for code review and commenting, making collaborative work more efficient and reducing the chances of errors being introduced.

Git is particularly popular among all version control systems for various reasons:

– Distributed Nature: Unlike centralized version control systems, every Git directory on every computer is a full-fledged repository with complete history and full version tracking capabilities, independent of network access or a central server. This means you can work offline or on your own server.

– Speed and Efficiency: Git is designed to handle large projects like the Linux kernel efficiently, making