Git

Git is an open source distributed version control system. It tracks changes to source code and handles everything from small projects to very large ones, with an emphasis on speed and efficient storage of history. It was originally built to work on the Linux kernel.

What Git offers

• Version control — a full copy of the repository history on every machine, so most work happens locally.
• Branching — cheap local branches and a staging area that let developers prepare changes before committing.
• Workflows — several working styles are supported, which suits both solo work and large teams.
• Documentation — command reference pages, videos and the Pro Git book, which can be read online at no charge.
• Downloads — binary releases and graphical clients for the major platforms.

Who it works with

Developers and teams of every size use it, and hosting services such as GitLab and GitHub are built around it. Many editors and graphical tools include Git support.

Key facts

• Licence: GNU General Public License version 2
• Origin: created for Linux kernel development
• Community: bug reporting, a mailing list and chat