Discovering Git: Features and Benefits

Introduction

Software development has evolved significantly over the past few decades, and with it, essential tools have emerged that have revolutionized the way in which development teams collaborate and manage source code. One of the fundamental pillars of this change is Git, a distributed version control system that has changed the way developers work as a team and manage the flow of changes in a project. In this article, we'll explore what Git is, its key features, most commonly used commands, and the advantages it offers in software development.

What is Git?

Git is a distributed version control system developed by Linus Torvalds in 2005. It was originally designed to manage the development of the Linux kernel, but its flexibility and efficiency made it a widely adopted tool in the software industry. In essence, Git allows you to track changes in the source code over time, making it easier for developers to collaborate and manage the software lifecycle.

Key Features of Git

1. Distributed and Decentralized

Unlike centralized version control systems, where a single copy of the repository is stored, Git is distributed and as developers we have a full copy of the change history. This allows us to work independently and merge our changes into the main repository efficiently.

2. Accurate Change Tracking

Git accurately tracks the changes made to each file over time. This allows us as a developer to see the full history of changes, including differences between versions and the possibility of returning to previous versions in case of problems.

3. Efficient Branching

Git makes creating and managing branches simple. As a developer we can create branches to work with new features or fixes without affecting the main branch. This encourages parallel development and facilitates collaboration in large teams.

4. Simplified Mergers

The ability to merge changes between different branches is a key feature of Git. As a developer, we can efficiently combine changes, facilitating continuous integration and avoiding code conflicts.

Most commonly used commands for an efficient workflow

GitHub has become an essential platform for us for collaborative software development and version control. Offering a collaborative and change-tracking environment, it allows development teams to work efficiently on projects of any size. In this section, we'll explore some of the most commonly used commands as a developer when programming.

1. Clone a Repository

With this command, we copy the remote repository to your local machine, allowing us to work on it. To find the URL you want to clone we just have to press “Clone” which is in the upper right part. To clone by command we must copy from “Clone with SSH”.

2. Download the changes

With this command we will download all the changes uploaded to the repository.

3. Create a Branch

git checkout -b nombre-de-la-rama
git checkout nombre-de-la-rama

With the first command we create a new branch that we will work on and the second we will change the branch we want to work on or simply see changes.

Also, other commands used to create a new branch, or rename one and delete a branch are the following:

git bransh nombre-de-la-rama
git branch -m antiguo-nombre nuevo-nombre
git branch -d nombre-de-la-rama

Finally, to list all the branches found in the repository Git Branch The current branch or the one we will be working on will be highlighted by an asterisk

4. Add Changes and Confirm (Commit)

git status
git add .
git commit -m "Descripción de los cambios"

With the first command we will see all our changes within our branch, with the second we will add the changes made to your files and finally confirm our changes to us. Remember to add a comment that is descriptive of the developed one made.

5. Submit Changes to the Remote Repository

git push origin nombre-de-la-rama

With this command, we upload the changes to your branch in the repository.

6. Merge Changes

After a pull request is approved:

1. Click “New Merge Request” on GitHub.
2. Resolve any conflict if necessary.
3. Confirm the merge.

7. View the Change History

This allows us to see the history of commits made in the repository, in which we can see the date and time when they were made.

8. Make Changes

git status
git restore

This command is used to undo changes, first we will perform a git status if we want to undo only one specific file, if we want the complete project we will execute

git restore .

9. Save temporarily

git stash save "Descripción opcional”
git stash list

This command is used to temporarily save changes that have not yet been uploaded to the repository. This is useful for when you want to switch branches without compromising current changes.

The second command will show us a list of all the stashes that are created, along with their descriptions.

Advantages of Using Git in Software Development

1. Complete and Traceable History

Git allows you to track and document every change made to the code over time. This makes it easier to identify who made what change and when, which is essential for solving problems and maintaining transparency in development.

2. Frictionless Collaborative Development

With Git, several developers can work in parallel on different features or solutions without interfering with each other's work. Branches and mergers simplify collaboration and allow for smoother continuous integration.

3. Simple and Secure Reversion

In case of errors or problems, Git allows us as developers to revert to previous versions quickly and safely. This reduces the risk of negative impacts on the project and makes it easier to correct errors.

4. Flexible Workflow

Git adapts to different workflows, from the standard branching model to more advanced approaches such as Gitflow or GitHub Flow. This allows teams to adapt Git to their specific needs.

5. Integration with Collaboration Platforms

Platforms such as GitHub offer features for issue tracking, code review, and project collaboration. Git integrates seamlessly with these tools, making it easier to manage projects and work as a team.

Conclusion

In short, Git has transformed the way in which development teams collaborate and manage source code. Its distributed approach, ability to accurately track changes, and ease for collaborative development make it an essential tool in software development. By adopting Git and taking advantage of its advantages, teams can work more efficiently, improve code quality, and accelerate the development cycle.

Ready to optimize your code management with Git?

At Kranio, we have experts in version control and collaborative development who will help you implement Git in your projects, improving the efficiency and quality of the software. Contact us and discover how we can promote the digital transformation of your company.