Version control

Learn how version control keeps the file history.

What is version control?

Version control is a method of recording and tracking changes made to files over time. You can view previous versions of a file, compare changes between different versions, and return to an earlier version when necessary. Git performs these operations through commit records.

git add app.js
git commit -m "Add validation"
git log

This system can be used not only in software projects but also with many other types of files where change history matters.

Commits and snapshots

When a commit is created, Git stores a record representing the project state at that moment. This approach is based on the snapshot concept. Unchanged file contents are not unnecessarily copied again; Git efficiently uses content references.

git add index.html
git commit -m "First version"

git add index.html
git commit -m "Update title"

By creating multiple commits, you can track how a project evolves over time.

Exercise Create two versions

First commit the notes.txt file with the message First content. Then stage the file changes and create a second commit with the message Second content. Both commits must belong to the same file.

Show example solution

# İlk sürümü kaydet
git add notes.txt
git commit -m "İlk içerik"

# İkinci sürümü kaydet
git add notes.txt
git commit -m "İkinci içerik"

Test yourself

Which is a key benefit of version control?
- Being able to track previous file versions
- Automatically deleting files every time they open
- Converting all files into a single format
- Performing every remote operation without the internet
Show answer

Being able to track previous file versions — Version control allows you to access previous versions and inspect when changes were made.

Create a change record

git add app.js
git commit -m "____"

Show answer

git add app.js
git commit -m "İlk kayıt"

Version control terminology

Version control

Tracking changes
History

Previous records
Snapshot

Project state at a specific time
Commit

Recorded change

Next lesson: Distributed model

We Are Enhancing Your Experience

Cookie Preferences

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Analytical Cookies