Introduction to Git:

• Git is an open-source and free version control system that helps manage source code changes efficiently.
• It was created by Linus Torvalds in 2005 for Linux kernel development.
• Git tracks changes in files and allows multiple developers to work on the same project.
• It provides features like branching, merging and reverting changes.
• It is very efficient, secure and widely used in software development.

Features of Git:

1. Distributed System -
   • Every developer has a full copy of the repository.
2. Branching & Merging -
   • Developers can create branches to test features and merge them later.
3. Speed & Performance -
   • Git processes changes quickly, even for large projects.
4. Data Integrity -
   • Git ensures every change is tracked and stored securely. It uses cryptographic hashing (SHA-1) for secure data storage.
5. Efficient Collaboration -
   • Git allows multiple developers to work together seamlessly.
6. Lightweight & Flexible -
   • Git uses minimal resources and supports various workflows.

Benefits of Git:

• Git improves the development process by making it more organized and secure.
• Below are some important benifits of Git :-
  1. Collaboration -
     • Multiple developers can work on the same project without conflicts.
  2. History Tracking -
     • Every change is recorded, making it easy to revert mistakes.
  3. Offline Work -
     • Unlike centralized systems, Git works without an internet connection.
  4. Fast & Scalable -
     • Git handles large repositories efficiently.
  5. Open Source & Free -
     • Available for everyone, with no cost.

Git Workflow & Stages:

• Below diagram shows the working of Git :-
  

1. Working Directory:
   • This is where you can create, edit, delete and modify files in your project.
   • Changes in this area are not tracked by Git until explicitly added.
   • Command Used:
     • git status → Check which files are modified.
     • git add <file> → Move files from the working directory to the staging area.
2. Staging Area (Index):
   • It is also known as the Index, this is where Git temporarily stores changes before committing them.
   • It allows you to prepare specific changes before committing.
   • Command Used:
     • git commit -m "message" → Moves files from the staging area to the local repository.
3. Local Repository (Head):
   • Here, all committed changes are stored in Git's history.
   • This is your local copy of the repository.
   • Command Used:
     • git push origin <branch> → Pushes committed changes to the remote repository.
4. Remote Repository:
   • It is a central repository (e.g. GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket) where the project is stored online.
   • Team members can collaborate by pulling and pushing changes.
   • Command Used:
     • git pull origin <branch> → Fetches and merges the latest changes from the remote repository.
5. Additional Commands:
   • Some additional commands you can use are as follows :
     • git checkout → It moves changes from the repository back to the working directory.
     • git pull → It fetches and updates your local repository with changes from the remote repository.