How to Use Version Control Tools for Development
Tags: webdev, beginners, tutorial, git
Published: 2023-10-19 12:00:00

Have you ever been in a situation where you were responsible for managing multiple software projects simultaneously?

Managing multiple projects at once seems like a daunting task, but there are tools available that can help.

Version control tools allow developers to track changes and collaborate on projects more easily and efficiently.

Continue reading this article to learn more about using version control tools for development. From understanding the basics of source control systems to familiarizing yourself with Git and other popular version control systems, you'll be able to improve your workflow and take your development process to the next level.


## **What is a version control system?**


Imagine you're baking a cake and trying out a new recipe. You and your friends are taking turns adding ingredients, testing the batter, and making adjustments. But what if you accidentally add too much sugar or forget a necessary ingredient? That's where version control comes in! It's like a recipe book that keeps track of every single ingredient you add or take out and who did it. This way, if you ever run into trouble with the cake, you can just flip through the recipe book, find the exact spot where things went wrong and fix it.


## **3 most commonly used version control systems**


**1. AWS CodeCommit**

CodeCommit is a fully-managed version control system hosted on AWS. CodeCommit is easy to use and integrates with other AWS services.

- 
To use CodeCommit, you first need to create a repository to store your project files.

- 
You can make the repository accessible to everyone or keep it private.

- 
You must first clone the repository onto your local machine to add files to the repository.

- 
Once you have made changes on your local machine, you can push the changes to the CodeCommit repository.

- 
Other team members will be able to pull the changes and incorporate them into their workflows.

Visit to learn more: https://docs.aws.amazon.com/codecommit/latest/userguide/welcome.html


**2. Azure DevOps Server**


Azure DevOps Server is a powerful and flexible tool for managing software development projects. You can choose a source control system like Git when creating a new project.

- 
Create a remote repository in the Azure DevOps Server interface to set up your project's source code.

- 
You can add your project's files to the repository by clicking "Add Files" in the interface.

- 
Commit changes directly in Azure DevOps Server by selecting the file and clicking "Commit" with a commit message describing the changes.

- 
Once all changes are committed, you can push them to the remote server by clicking "Push" in the interface.


Visit to learn more: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/devops/user-guide/services?source=recommendations&view=azure-devops


**3. GIT**


GIT is a powerful version control system that helps to keep track of the codebase and ensure that you are always working with the most up-to-date version.

- 
To use GIT, first create a GIT repository using a command line or GUI tool like SourceTree.

- 
Add files to the repository using the "git add" command, e.g. "git add ." to add all files in the project.

- 
Commit changes using the "git commit" command and enter a message describing the changes made.

- 
Once changes are committed, they are available in the local repository.

- 
Share changes with others by pushing them to a remote repository using the "git push" command.

- 
GIT helps developers keep track of the codebase and work together on projects more effectively.


Visit to learn more https://git-scm.com/book/en/v2/Getting-Started-About-Version-Control



## **The best uses of version control systems in top tech companies**


**Keep a log of revisions or updates:** A version control system enables developers to record all modifications made to the codebase, including who made the changes, when they were made, and why they were made. It's essential for debugging and troubleshooting as it allows developers to quickly identify and fix errors and understand how the code has evolved.

**Streamline teamwork and collaboration:** A VCS makes it easier for team members to collaborate on a project by providing a central repository where everyone can share their changes. That allows team members to work on different parts of the codebase simultaneously without interfering with each other's work.

**Rollback changes:** If there are any problems with a new change, a VCS makes it easy to roll back that change without having to undo all the other changes that have been made since then. That allows developers to quickly revert to a previous version of the codebase, without losing any of the previous changes.

**Save time and keep the code stable:** A VCS can save developers a lot of time by automatically tracking and managing dependencies between different code versions. That allows developers to easily switch between different codebase versions and ensure that the code is always stable.



## **How to choose the best version control system for your project?**


Many options are available when choosing a version control system (VCS) for your project. To help you make the best decision, here are some critical questions to keep in mind:

**1. Do you need a centralized or decentralized system?**

- 
Centralized VCSs store all project files in a central repository, which all team members can access. This setup is simple and easy to use but can be susceptible to data loss if the central server goes down.

- 
Decentralized VCSs allow each team member to have their local copy of the repository. That is more robust since there is no single point of failure, but it can be more challenging to manage since changes must be manually synchronized between repositories.


**2. What kind of workflow do you need?**


- 
Choose a VCS with a workflow that fits your team's needs. Git supports a linear workflow with separate branches, while 

- 
Subversion uses a centralized workflow with a single branch


**3. What platform do you need?**


Ensure the VCS you pick supports your team's operating system, some VCSs only work on Windows or Mac, and others are cross-platform.


**4. How much do you need to customize?**


Choose a VCS that fits your project's needs. Some like Git have advanced customization options while others like Subversion, have more limited capabilities.

---
With so many options and features available, it's essential to find the right one that fits your team's workflow and project requirements. I hope this article has given you helpful information on how to use version control systems and provided some insights into choosing the best tool for you.