Git is a distributed version control system created by Linus Torvalds. It enables individuals and teams to track changes in source code during software development. Git is the foundation of modern DevOps and software collaboration, allowing for branching, merging, and detailed history tracking—all performed locally or remotely via platforms like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket.
Install Git from git-scm.com, and use it via the terminal or command line:
git clone [repo-url]
git checkout -b new-feature
git add .
git commit -m "Add new feature"
git push origin new-feature
Git commands control every part of the version history. You can also integrate Git into IDEs, GUIs, or use platforms like GitHub Desktop or SourceTree for visual interaction.
Is Git the same as GitHub? No. Git is a version control system; GitHub is a web platform that hosts Git repositories and adds features like collaboration, CI/CD, and issue tracking.
Can I use Git without internet? Yes. All Git operations (commits, branches, diffs) work offline. You only need internet to push/pull from remote servers.
What platforms does Git support? Git works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Is Git free to use? Yes. Git is free and open source under the GNU General Public License v2.
Do I need a GUI to use Git? No, Git is primarily CLI-based but integrates with many GUI tools (e.g., GitHub Desktop, SourceTree, VS Code).