Git is a version control system used for tracking changes in computer files. It is generally used for source code management in software development. Git is used to tracking changes in the source code. The distributed version control tool is used for source code management. It allows multiple developers to work together. It supports non-linear development through its thousands of parallel branches.
Features of Git
- Tracks history
- Free and open source
- Supports non-linear development
- Creates backups
- Scalable
- Supports collaboration
- Branching is easier
- Distributed development
The Git workflow is divided into three states:
- Working directory – Modify files in your working directory
- Staging area (Index) – Stage the files and add snapshots of them to your staging area
- Git directory (Repository) – Perform a commit that stores the snapshots permanently to your Git directory. Checkout any existing version, make changes, stage them and commit.
Why a Version Control System like Git is needed?
Real life projects generally have multiple developers working in parallel. So a version control system like Git is needed to ensure there are no code conflicts between the developers. Additionally, the requirements in such projects change often. So a version control system allows developers to revert and go back to an older version of the code. Finally, sometimes several projects which are being run in parallel involve the same codebase. In such a case, the concept of branching in Git is very important.
Role of Git in DevOps
Git plays a vital role in DevOps. DevOps is responsible for the development and operation processes of software. It allows non-linear workflows in a distributed manner by providing data assurance to create quality software. This tool offers a space for developers to work. All the users are notified when any of the developers make changes in the file.
Git allows developers to collaborate and makes it easy for them to visualize the work, saving a lot of time and effort. Further, Git helps in code management that can be pushed to the shared repository, making the code ready to be integrated, tested, and deployed. It eases the communications between the development department and the operations department, making it the best suitable tool in DevOps.
Advantages of Git
Performance – Git is much stronger and reliable than other VCSs. Professionals can easily commit changes, compare version branches, and merge them. Besides, it allows for the better optimization of code for improved performance. The algorithms that are used to develop Git take complete advantage of the stored knowledge of attributes that help in developing source code files, types of file access patterns that help in recalling code files whenever required, and so on.
Security – Git is mainly built to secure the source code and maintain its integrity. All the data in the file, the relationship between the directories and files, commits, tags, versions, etc. are guarded through cryptographic algorithms like SHA-1. This algorithm secures the code and changes history from accidental and malicious attacks. Git ensures that the files, data, and the change history of the source code are secure.
Flexibility – Git is designed to be flexible, which allows it to support various types of non-linear workflows. It is also one of the most efficient tools in terms of dealing with small-scale and large-scale protocols and projects. Besides, its unique design makes it possible to support branching and tagging various business operations, storing all the user activities as an important part of the change history. Git is one of the very few VCSs that have this feature.
Wide Acceptance – Most developers need the security, performance, flexibility, and functionality that Git offers to build their projects. It is the most widely accepted VCS comparatively, and it provides universally accepted performance standards and usability.
Disadvantages of Git
Even though Git seems like the perfect solution for various problems related to the software development life cycle (SDLC), it has its shortcomings.
- Its steep learning curve itself is a disadvantage, which is due to the non-intuitive nature of its commands. You need a much deeper understanding of the internals of Git to avoid inconsistencies while executing.
- Binary files are not Git’s forte. Whenever files containing non-text content are updated or used frequently, Git gets dragged and slowed down.
- It does create a conducive environment for a large number of developers distributed over a large geographical area but, at the same time, creates a lot of conflict and confusion while merging codes. To solve this problem, developers can establish an open communication channel before merging their bits of changes with the project.
