Version control is essential in any software development workflow, and Git is the most widely used version control system today. It allows developers to track changes, collaborate on code, and revert to previous versions if necessary. GitHub, a cloud-based hosting service, provides an easy way to share code, manage repositories, and collaborate with others through pull requests and issue tracking.

Getting started with Git involves initializing a repository using git init and adding files with git add. You commit changes with git commit, and you can view your history using git log. Git tracks all changes in your project so that you can switch between versions or branches effortlessly.

Branches are one of Git’s most powerful features. They allow developers to work on features or bug fixes independently without affecting the main codebase. Once changes are ready, you can merge branches back into main or master.

GitHub takes this to the next level by enabling collaboration. You can push your local repo to GitHub using git push, invite collaborators, review code via pull requests, and manage project issues. It also integrates with CI/CD tools like GitHub Actions for automated testing and deployment.

Understanding Git and GitHub is crucial for working in teams and contributing to open-source projects. Even solo developers benefit from better project organization and backups. Whether you’re building a side project or contributing to a large codebase, version control will make your work more professional, reliable, and manageable.