Git is a free and open source version control system. It tracks changes to specific versions of code so that previous versions can be recalled and reinstated at a later date. It also makes it easy for multiple people to work on the same files without the risk of overwriting others’ work or losing files.
Git runs at the command line or through a git interface on your local machine. It keeps track of and maintains files in something called a repository or repo. A key feature of Git is the ability to make branches. A branch is a separate copy of the source code that allows a user to try new features and implement code without directly affecting the master branch. When a branch has successfully implemented a revision, it can be merged back into the master branch. The revision is then officially a part of the original project.
There are also Repository Management Services which store and share Git repositories online. The most popular are: