Git version control system: Why is it the standard in modern IT?
In today’s software engineering world, using a professional Git version control system is no longer just a choice, but an absolute standard. According to the Stack Overflow survey, as many as 95% of developers use it. Why has this tool dominated the market? As Futurum Technology, we take a look at proven working models that guarantee code stability.
What is this tool and how does it differ from GitHub?
It is worth explaining a common mistake at the outset: the software is the tool itself—installed locally on a computer. It allows you to track every change in the code and manage the project’s history, acting as a kind of “time machine.”
On the other hand, platforms such as GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket are hosting services. They provide the cloud infrastructure to store your repositories, facilitating teamwork and deployment automation (CI/CD). However, remember that the foundation of each of these services is the Git version control system.
Working with the Git version control system: 3 popular models
The tool itself does not impose a rigid way of working. However, to avoid chaos in a team, a specific collaboration model, called a workflow, should be adopted. Here are the most common approaches:
1. Centralized Workflow
This is the simplest method, reminiscent of older solutions like SVN. All developers work on one main branch (usually main). It is rarely used in professional environments because it limits the freedom that a modern Git version control system should provide.
2. Feature Branch Workflow
This approach utilizes the greatest asset of the technology – the ease of creating branches. Every new functionality is created on a separate branch. Only ready code goes to the main branch, which allows it to remain stable.
3. Gitflow – The professional standard
Gitflow is the most extensive working standard. It introduces a strict branch structure, utilizing the Git version control system to its maximum capacity:
- main: Production code (always ready for release).
- develop: The main development branch.
- feature: Branches dedicated to specific tasks.
- release: Version stabilization before deployment.
- hotfix: Instant bug fixes for production.
Tools supporting the Git version control system and Gitflow
Working with Gitflow may seem complicated, but there are tools that automate it. Developers can use a dedicated plugin in the console or support built into modern IDEs, such as IntelliJ IDEA. These integrations make managing the Git version control system much more intuitive.
Summary: Why does Futurum Technology rely on Git?
The flexibility provided by modern technology is its greatest strength. At Futurum Technology, we know that order in the repository is the foundation of a project’s success. Thanks to Gitflow, we can better control the state of the software and guarantee the highest code quality.
If you are looking for a technological partner who perfectly utilizes the Git version control system in daily work, feel free to contact the Futurum Technology team.