How GIT got its name?
Tags: git
Published: 2021-09-27 06:51:00

## Introduction

If you are a developer or come from any technology field, it is a high chance that you must hear about the term "git". I don't want to waste your time by explaining the various features of Git. However, we'll explore the history in short and its unique name.

## What the Git!

Yes, you read correctly. The title is not "What is git". In short, Git is a technology for controlling the versions of software. It is fast, very fast, and it can track any slight change in your files. As we know (if you don't just believe me), Linus Torvalds created it in the last century (16 years ago, 2005). Before Git, there was another thing called "BitKeeper". Although, it does exist now. You can also give it a try. Anyway, Git began with some controversy, and on its official site, they said,

> Git began with a bit of creative destruction and fiery controversy.

In the early days of the Linux kernel management, the software changes were passed by patches and archive files. You guessed right; the project was pretty large enough to maintain. Can you imagine that how the developers faced much hardship? However, there was a solution. In 2002 the maintainers started using the "Distributed Version Control System" (DVCS) called BitKeeper. In 2005, the relationship between the service and community had broken because they switched to paid tier from free. Then Linus developed the system on his own, which is called GIT.

>It is easy to shoot your foot off with git, but also easy to revert to a previous foot and merge it with your current leg. —Jack William Bell

## Meaning of Git

Back in the last century (2005), when Linus made his initial commit to Git's code, he created a readme file. No doubt it was a historical commit that has ever been pushed! He wrote something like this.

```markdown
GIT - the stupid content tracker

"git" can mean anything, depending on your mood.

 - random three-letter combination that is pronounceable, and not 
   actually used by any common UNIX command.  The fact that it is a
   mispronunciation of "get" may or may not be relevant.
 - stupid. contemptible and despicable. simple. Take your pick from the 
   dictionary of slang.
 - "global information tracker": you're in a good mood, and it actually
   works for you. Angels sing, and a light suddenly fills the room. 
 - "goddamn idiotic truckload of sh*t": when it breaks

This is a stupid (but extremely fast) directory content manager.  It  
doesn't do a whole lot, but what it _does_ do is track directory
contents efficiently.
```

As you see, Git has several meanings depending on your workflow. If you are a serious developer, unlike me, you should call it a "Global Information Tracker". However, if your code doesn't work right or break it, you can consider it a "Goddamn idiotic truckload of sh*t". But the most important thing is, like much open-source software, it gives you the freedom which also reflects in that `readme` file. Try to figure out the actual meaning.

## Conclusion

No doubt git is an essential and must-know tool for developers. It was built with some objectives, i.e. speed, simple design, strong support for non-linear development, entirely distribution, and handling large projects. It's got matured over time from its birth and it's amazingly fast.