STEP 01 OF 13
×What is Git & Why It Matters
Git is a distributed version control system that tracks changes to files over time, letting you and your team work on the same codebase without overwriting each other's work.
Version control, in plain terms
Every time you save a meaningful checkpoint of your project, Git records exactly what changed, who changed it, and when. You can rewind to any earlier checkpoint whenever you need to.
Why teams depend on it
Without version control, teams email zip files back and forth or overwrite each other's edits. Git lets multiple people work on the same files simultaneously and merges everyone's work safely.
Git vs GitHub
Git is the tool that runs on your computer and manages history. GitHub is a website that hosts your Git repositories online so you can back them up, share them, and collaborate with others.
💡Git runs entirely on your machine — it doesn't need the internet. GitHub is the online home for your Git projects.
⚠️Common mistake: Confusing Git with GitHub