Git VS Github
The clear differences between the 2!
Introduction
Git and Github have very similar names but are they the same thing? Is Github the version 2 of Git? What are they exactly? Well, let’s explore that in this article.
TLDR, they are different. Git is a version control system that teams can use to track their code while Github is a cloud-based application that hosts your code. However, they can be used in conjunction with each other!
Content Page
What is Git?
Git is a version control system. This means that it can track all the different versions of a project and allow multiple developers to work on the same project at the same time. It has features to restore previous versions of the project if an error occurs on the latest version. It is like a timeline of snapshots (represented by the circles) of your project code, where team members can add their snapshots and improve on the code. It is an essential DevOp tool.
What is Github?
On the other hand, Github is a cloud-based hosting service for Git repositories. In essence, it stores all the code of your project. Other convenient features include bug tracking and kanban boards for project management, although not the best out there.
With that said, you do not need Github if you want to use Git. Alternatives to Github exist such as GitLab and BitBucket. However, I personally would recommend using Github, as it is not only free but because it also functions as a “social media account” for programmers. It shows employers all the projects that you have worked on which will strengthen your application, especially for self-taught programmers and fresh graduates. Again, it is not necessary to have an account but it may give you an edge at finding a job or when securing an internship.
How can we use them together?
Now that you understand the difference between the 2, I am sure you can see how they can come together to help build your collaborative projects. Git is used to track changes to your code while Github is used to allow multiple developers to work on the same project simultaneously. The feature to handle conflicts is also great when 2 or more engineers work on the exact same part of the project.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, Git and Github serve different purposes. It might seem confusing at first with the problematic similarities in their names, but once you’ve mastered the basics and are able to navigate them well, they become an indispensable skill.
All the best with your coding journey and stay cool Cucumbers!