IT Glossary for Recruiters

What is Git?

Git is a free, open-source version control system used to manage and track changes in code during software development. It allows multiple developers to work on the same project without overwriting each other's changes. Created by Linus Torvalds in 2005, Git has become an essential tool for modern software development.

Why Git matters in software development

Git helps developers keep track of every change in their codebase. This makes it easy to collaborate, fix errors, and revert to earlier versions if something goes wrong. For recruiters, understanding Git can help in assessing candidates’ technical skills and experience.

Key concepts and terminology

  • A repository is where all files and the history of a project are stored. It can be local or hosted on a platform like GitHub.

  • A commit is like a snapshot of your project. Each commit saves the changes made to the code.

  • Branches allow developers to work on different features or fixes without affecting the main code. Once the changes are tested, they can be merged back into the main branch.

  • Merging combines changes from different branches into one. It’s used to integrate new features or fixes into the main project.

  • Cloning creates a local copy of a remote repository, allowing developers to work offline.

  • A fork creates a personal copy of someone else’s repository. It’s commonly used to propose changes or contribute to open-source projects.

How Git works


● Initialize a Repository: Start a project with git init.● Add Files: Use git add to stage files for commit.● Commit Changes: Save changes with git commit.● Push to Remote: Share your changes using git push.● Pull Changes: Update your local project with git pull.

Git vs. SVN (Subversion)

● Centralized vs. Distributed: SVN follows a centralized version control model, meaning there is a single central repository. Developers must be connected to the central server to commit changes. In contrast, Git uses a distributed model, where each developer has a complete copy of the repository on their local machine. This allows offline work and faster operations.● Branching: Branching in SVN can be complex and slow, as it involves creating copies of directories. Git handles branches more efficiently, allowing quick and easy branching and merging.● Speed: Git is generally faster because most operations are performed locally. SVN requires constant communication with the central server, which can slow things down, especially with larger repositories.● History and Version Control: SVN keeps track of file changes, while Git tracks changes in the whole project. Git’s history is more detailed and accessible.● Storage: SVN uses more storage space on the central server, while Git distributes the load across local repositories.

Git vs. Mercurial

● Distributed Systems: Both Git and Mercurial are distributed version control systems, meaning each developer has a full copy of the repository. This allows for offline work and independent branching.● Flexibility: Git offers more advanced features and customization options, making it highly flexible. Mercurial is designed to be simpler and more user-friendly, especially for beginners.● Popularity and Community Support: Git has a larger user base and more extensive community support. This means more resources, tutorials, and tools are available for Git. Many popular platforms, such as GitHub and GitLab, are designed around Git.● Performance: Both systems perform well with small to medium projects, but Git tends to handle larger projects more efficiently. Mercurial can slow down with very large repositories.● Command Line vs. GUI: Mercurial focuses on simplicity with a cleaner command structure. Git's commands can be more complex but offer greater control.

Benefits of Git

    Version Control: Keeps a complete history of changes.
    Collaboration: Allows many developers to work on the same project.
    Backup and Recovery: Restores previous versions easily.
    Branching and Merging: Supports creating separate branches for new features.
    Open Source: Free to use and supported by a large community.

Drawbacks of Git

    Steep Learning Curve: Git can be challenging for beginners to grasp initially.
    Merge Conflicts: Handling conflicts during merges can be difficult and time-consuming.
    Large Repositories: Local copies of repositories can consume significant storage space.
    Command Complexity: Errors in using commands can lead to issues if not carefully managed.

Best practices for Git

Commit Frequently

Save your work often with small, meaningful commits. This makes it easier to track changes and roll back if needed.

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Write Clear Commit Messages

Use concise, descriptive messages that explain the changes made. This helps team members understand your updates.

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Use Branches for Features and Fixes

Create separate branches for new features, bug fixes, or experiments. This keeps the main codebase stable.

Hire 1 is an innovative network for independent sourcers, employers and recruitment agencies.
Our main goal is to make the recruiting process easy and efficient for each person.

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Hire 1 is an innovative network for independent sourcers, employers and recruitment agencies.
Our main goal is to make the recruiting process easy and efficient for each person.

NAVIGATION

INFORMATION

CONTACTS

  • oi.1erih%40eracew

  • +13475704286