What is the Difference Between Git and GitHub
Many people think that Git and GitHub are the same but they are not. Let’s see the difference between the two and how to use them. If you are going to work in the programming field, you should learn both git and GitHub because almost all companies use this functionality to execute projects.
Before knowing about Git and GitHub you need to know what is version control. Version control is used to keep track of our code. You may think why we need to track the code, for example, we are likely to make changes to the code.
When we work on a project, we don’t work alone, a group of members works with us, and all of them are modifying the code. So if we track the code, if there is a problem in any place, it will be useful to see it in the previous update. By using version control concepts, we can easily see the difference between how our code was before the update and how it is after the update. There are many version control tools but the most popular is Git
What is Git?
It is one of the version control tools. Git records every change you make to a project. Provides a detailed history of edits, additions, and deletions you’ve made. This helps developers understand the evolution of the codebase over time. It was designed with the goal of being fast, efficient, and capable of handling both small and large projects with ease.
It allows developers to create multiple branches of their codebase. Developers can work on different aspects of a project simultaneously by creating their own branches. If an error is introduced or an undesired change is made, Git allows developers to revert to a previous state of the codebase.
What is GitHub?
GitHub is a web-based platform that provides hosting services for Git repositories. It offers an environment for developers to collaborate on projects, share code, and contribute to open-source software.
Key features of GitHub
- GitHub provides a cloud-based platform where developers can store their Git repositories remotely. This ensures that code is accessible from anywhere and offers redundancy against data loss.
- Developers can propose changes to a repository by creating a pull request. This allows the repository owner or maintainers to review, discuss, and potentially merge the changes into the main codebase.
- It offers an integrated issue-tracking system. Developers can create, assign, and track issues, bugs, and feature requests, making project management more organized.
The Difference Between Git and GitHub
| Git | GitHub | |
|---|---|---|
| Core Functionality | Git is the version control system that manages code history, branching, and merging. | GitHub is a web-based platform that hosts Git repositories and enhances collaboration. |
| Local vs. Remote | Git operates primarily on the local machine, allowing version control without an internet connection. | GitHub operates remotely, providing a platform to store, share, and collaborate on code repositories over the internet. |
| Centralized vs. Distributed | Git is a distributed system, meaning each developer has a complete copy of the repository. | GitHub, while supporting distributed workflows, provides a centralized platform to host and manage repositories. |
| Features Beyond Git | It offers version control capabilities. | GitHub offers additional features like issue tracking, pull requests, and discussions that go beyond |
Conclusion
Git and GitHub are complementary tools that have revolutionized the way software development is conducted. Understanding the difference between Git and GitHub is crucial for developers aiming to leverage their capabilities effectively.
