What is a version control system?
Think of a version control system like a time machine for your code. It keeps track of every change you make, letting you see what the code looked like at any point in its history. Just as you might save different versions of an important document, developers use version control to save snapshots of their code.
How do developers use version control in their daily work?
When developers want to add new features or fix bugs, they create a separate branch - like a parallel universe where they can experiment without affecting the main code. Once they're happy with their changes, they merge their work back into the main branch. This way, multiple developers can work on different features simultaneously without stepping on each other's toes.
Which version control systems do developers commonly use?
Git has become the industry standard, largely due to its flexibility and powerful features. While older systems like SVN required constant connection to a central server, Git lets developers work offline and sync their changes later. Platforms like GitHub have made Git even more popular by adding features for code sharing and collaboration.