> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://notes.sonam.info.np/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://notes.sonam.info.np/git-and-github/intro-to-git-and-github.md).

# Intro to Git and GitHub

### Version Control

Version Control is a system that records changes to file(such as source code, documentation, or designs) over time, so you can track history, collaborate with others, and restore previous versions when needed. It's like a digital history book for our project. Every update, correction, or experiment is saved as a version that we can revisit anytime.

#### Importance of Version Control

1. Tracks History : it keeps a detailed log of who changed what, when and why.
2. Collaboration Made Easy : Multiple Developers can work on the same project without overwriting each other's work.
3. Error Recovery : Mistakes or broken code can be rolled back to a working version.
4. Experiment Safely : Developers can create branches to try new features without affecting the main project.
5. Efficient Project Management : Helps in organizing, reviewing, and merging code in a structure way.
6. Industry Standard : Used by almost all software teams, open-source communities, and enterprises to manage codebases.

#### Centralized Vs Distributed Version Control System

| Feature              | Centralized VCS 📡     | Distributed VCS 🌐           |
| -------------------- | ---------------------- | ---------------------------- |
| Code storage         | On central server only | On every developer’s machine |
| Offline work         | ❌ Not possible         | ✅ Fully possible             |
| Risk if server fails | ❌ High                 | ✅ Low (everyone has backup)  |
| Speed of operations  | Slower                 | Faster                       |
| Examples             | SVN, CVS               | Git, Mercurial               |

### What is Git ?

Git is a distributed version control and source code management system. It helps developers track and manage different versions of a project’s source code. Git also makes it easier to collaborate with others, maintain a history of changes, and even serve as a backup for source code.

* Version : different iteration of same things

![Example of Version in real life](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/cybercena/Static-assets/refs/heads/main/Git_and_Github/version.png)

{% hint style="info" %}
**Do you know ?:** In 2005, the Linux kernel development team faced a challenge. They needed a fast, reliable, and distributed version control system after a conflict with their then-current tool, BitKeeper. Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux, took on the task and developed **Git**.
{% endhint %}

#### Why do we need Git ?

* It Provides Version control
* It provides the branching
* It offers collaboration
* It offers merging
* It provides Backup & Safety

![Workflow of Git](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/cybercena/Static-assets/refs/heads/main/Git_and_Github/gitflow.png)

### What is GitHub ?

**GitHub** is a **web-based platform** used for **version control** and **collaborative software development**. It allows developers to store, manage, and track changes to their code using **Git**, a distributed version control system.

#### What we can do in GitHub ?

| Action              | What It Means                                        |
| ------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| Create a repository | Start a new project                                  |
| Clone a repository  | Download the project to work on it locally           |
| Commit changes      | Save a snapshot of your changes                      |
| Push to GitHub      | Upload your changes to the GitHub website            |
| Fork a repo         | Copy someone else’s project to make your own version |
| Open a pull request | Suggest changes to someone else’s project            |
| Merge code          | Combine changes from different contributors          |

#### Differences Between Git and GitHub

| Feature                 | **Git**                                | **GitHub**                                             |
| ----------------------- | -------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Type**                | Version Control System (VCS)           | Cloud-based Git repository hosting service             |
| **Purpose**             | Track and manage changes to files/code | Host, share, and collaborate on Git repositories       |
| **Created By**          | Linus Torvalds (2005)                  | Tom Preston-Werner, Chris Wanstrath, etc. (2008)       |
| **Owned By**            | Open-source community                  | Microsoft (since 2018)                                 |
| **Works Offline**       | Yes                                    | No (requires internet access)                          |
| **Installation**        | Installed on your local machine        | Accessed via web browser (no installation needed)      |
| **Primary Use**         | Local version control                  | Remote collaboration and repository hosting            |
| **User Interface**      | Command Line / GUI Tools               | Web Interface (plus GitHub Desktop)                    |
| **Collaboration Tools** | Not built-in (only local operations)   | Pull requests, issues, discussions, teams              |
| **CI/CD & Automation**  | Not included                           | Available via GitHub Actions                           |
| **Security**            | Local only (you control everything)    | Offers access control, authentication, and permissions |