Introduction to version control systems
Published: 2021-11-29 09:28:09

**What is Version Control?**
Version control is also known as source control is a practice used to track and manage changes to software code. The version control systems are mainly used by software teams to manage source codes over time. When using these software tools, developers are able to work faster and smarter. The devOps teams increase successful deployments and reduce the development time.
Version control software use special kind of database to track any modification on the code. This helps correct mistakes easily by comparing to earlier versions of the code thus minimizing disruption to all team members.
Source code is very precious in any project and its value must be protected all the time. The source code is a repository of knowledge and understanding about the problem domain which developers have collected and rectified through careful effort. Visual control systems are thus very important in protecting the source code from unintended catastrophe or casual degradation of human error.
Software developers working in teams continually change the existing source codes and write new source codes. The codes of a project for an app or software are organized in a file tree. This enables developers on working on allocated aspect without altering others.
Good version control software is one that supports a developer’s preferred workflow without imposing on how they work.
**Benefits of version control systems**

- Branching and merging. Version control systems help members in a team work concurrently without overriding.
- Generate backup. Version control systems provide a permanent and secure storage of source codes. Even in occurrence of a natural catastrophe or loss of a computer, the source codes will still be available. 
- Keep history and track changes. Version control systems help trace changes made on the software and connect it to bug tracking software or project management software.
- What should a good version control system help you achieve?
- Backup and Restore- this is because files are saved as they’re edited and you can be able to retrieve it any time.
- Synchronizations-this helps people share files and stay up-to-date with the latest version.
- Short-term undo- this helps you go back to your last known good version in the database.
- Track Changes- this ensures are updated on why changes were made.
**Types of Version control systems**

- Centralized Version Control System- this involves keeping multiple chunks of information at a central location using a central repository. 
- Local Version Control system- this functions without a remote repository. Since there are no remote servers, developers work using separate computers with no cross computer data sharing.
- Distributed Version Control System- in this system each developer has a local copy of the repository. Developers make multiple changes to the local copy which has no impact on the remote repository.
**Popular Version Control Software**
The version control software selected by a company influences their success. The main version control software that enterprises are using is the GitHub.
GitHub is a distributed version control system that allows developers to undertake modification on the entire repository system. Git uses the command line to simplify the procedure of retrieving previous changes.