In this section, you will learn all about version control system, source code management, and version control software. You will get an overall introduction about what is Git, how to install Git on different operating systems and have a full understanding of Git repository. This section will also provide information about the SHH key (Secure Shell network protocol) for secure login.

Version Control System

Version Control System (VCS), also known as Source Code Management (SCM) or Revision Control System (RCS) are software tools for keeping track of changes to the source code over time. Generally, there are three types of version control systems software teams choose: Local Version Control Systems, Centralized Version Control Systems, and Distributed Version Control Systems.

Source Code Management

Source code management (SCM) is synonymous with Version control. It is a software tool that programmers use to manage source code. It tracks modifications to a source code repository and helps deal with merge conflicts. With the help of SCM, each developer works independently on a separate branch. SCM provides lots of useful features that make your work even more effective and more manageable.

Version Control Software

Version Control Software (VCS) is a beneficial tool contributing to a collaborative software team workflow. It is a must in case of a team with multiple developers. Each company adopts the VCS that suits best to its strategy. The best VCSs are Git, CVS, SVN, Mercurial, Monotone. Find their pros and cons in next chapters.

What is Git

Git is a version control system that is widely used in the programming world. It is used for tracking changes in the source code during software development. Git is a speedy and efficient distributed tool that handles projects from small to very large ones. Git provides cheap local branching, convenient staging areas, and multiple workflows.

Install Git

Working with Git starts with installing or updating, if you already have it on your computer. There are three ways to install Git on Mac OS X: Git for Mac installer, Homebrew and MacPorts. Learn the steps of installation on our next pages.

SSH Key

SSH keys are an access credential used in SSH protocol (Secure Shell). A secure shell is a network protocol, which helps to login from one computer to another securely, as well as to manage networks, operating systems, and configurations.

Git Repository

A Git repository is a storage of project files, which makes it possible to save code versions and have access to them.