Git Crash Course: Some definitions

What Is Git?

Git is a powerful version control tool that helps developers collaborate on code efficiently. It tracks every modification made to a project, allowing teams to experiment freely and roll back to earlier versions when needed—without affecting the main codebase.

💻 What Is a Codebase?

A codebase refers to the complete set of source code and associated files that make up a software project. It includes everything needed to develop, run, and maintain an application. You can think of it as the full structure of code that developers build and evolve over time.

A typical codebase may include:

• Source Code: The main programming logic written in languages like Python, JavaScript, Java, etc.
• Documentation: Guides, notes, and explanations to help understand and use the code.
• Tests: Scripts used to verify that the application behaves as expected.
• Libraries & Dependencies: External packages the code depends on.
• Config Files: Files that define the environment and settings for the project.

Codebases are often stored in repositories (repos), where tools like Git manage version history, making collaboration and project tracking seamless.

🔑 Core Git Concepts

1. Repository

A Git repo is like a folder that not only holds your project files but also tracks every change over time. It serves as the foundation of your version-controlled project.

2. Commit

A commit saves a snapshot of your project at a particular point. It’s your way of saying, “This version works,” and you can always return to it if needed.

3. Branch

Branches let you develop new features or fix issues without altering the main codebase. You can work independently and merge back later when everything’s ready.

4. Merge

Merging combines changes from one branch into another. After finalizing a feature or fix, you merge it back to the main project to update everyone’s version.

5. Pull Request (PR)

A PR is a request to integrate changes from one branch into another. It allows teammates to review, discuss, and approve code before it's added to the main project.

6. Clone

To work on a project locally, you first clone it—copying all files and Git history from the remote repo to your computer.

7. Push

Once you’ve committed changes on your local machine, you use push to upload those updates to the shared remote repository.

8. Pull

Pulling brings any new updates from the remote repository to your local setup. It keeps your version of the code current with what others have changed.

9. Conflict

Conflicts happen when two people make different changes to the same line of code. Git will pause the merge and ask you to resolve which version to keep.

Understanding these fundamental Git concepts helps you become a more confident and effective developer. Whether you're just beginning or looking to level up, mastering Git will make teamwork smoother and your workflow more efficient.