Git Version Control: Understanding the Underlying Logic of Snapshots and Version Evolution
This article introduces the core knowledge of version control and Git. Version control is used to securely preserve code history, enabling backtracking, collaboration, and experimentation, while resolving code conflicts in multi - person collaboration. Git is a distributed version control system where each developer has a complete local copy of the code history, eliminating the need for continuous internet connection and enhancing development flexibility. Git's core design consists of "snapshots" (each commit is a complete copy of the code state for easy backtracking) and "branches" (managing development in parallel through pointers, such as the main branch and feature branches). Its three core areas are the working directory (where code is modified), the staging area (temporarily storing changes to be committed), and the local repository (storing snapshots). The operation process is "writing code → adding to the staging area → committing to the repository". Basic operations include initialization (git init), status checking (status), committing (add + commit), history viewing (log), branch management (branch + checkout + merge), version rollback using reset, and collaboration through remote repositories (push/pull). Essentially, Git is "snapshots + branches". By understanding the core areas and basic operations, one can master Git, which supports clear code evolution and team collaboration.
Read MoreGit Submodule Update: Methods to Keep Dependencies in Sync
Git submodules are used to address the trouble of code reuse and avoid repeated pasting. The main repository only records the version and location of the sub-repositories, while the sub-repositories store the actual code. Their uses include team sharing of components, version control of third-party dependencies, and code isolation. Usage steps: To clone a repository with nested submodules, use `git clone --recursive`. To initialize and update submodules, use `git submodule update --init --recursive` (to recursively update nested submodules). To update submodules and pull the latest versions, execute `git submodule update --recursive`. After modifying a submodule, first commit within the submodule, then return to the main project, execute `git add <submodule directory>` and `git commit` to update the main project's reference. After pulling updates to the main project, synchronize the submodules. Common issues: If the directory is empty, initialize it. If the version is incorrect, perform a recursive update. If changes were made without syncing the main project, add and commit the reference. Submodules are like Lego parts—independent and reusable. The key points to remember are "clone with --recursive, update and sync with --recursive, and sync references after modifications."
Read MoreGit Ignore Files: Other Exclusion Methods Besides .gitignore
Git, besides `.gitignore`, offers multiple ways to ignore files for different scenarios. `.git/info/exclude` is only for the local repository and its rules are not shared; directly add ignore rules here (e.g., personal IDE configurations). `git update-index --assume-unchanged` is used for tracked files to prevent Git from checking modifications (e.g., local configuration files). `--skip-worktree` is stricter, prohibiting Git from tracking sensitive files (e.g., passwords). `git rm --cached` can remove a tracked file from the repository while keeping it locally. Selection guide: Use `.gitignore` for daily general rules to share them, use `.git/info/exclude` for local personal needs, apply the above two for ignoring already tracked files, and use `git rm --cached` to remove files. Mastering these allows flexible management of the tracking scope, avoiding repository bloat or information leakage.
Read More详解 Git 重置（Reset）操作：硬重置、软重置与混合重置 详解 Git Reset Operations: Hard, Soft, and Mixed Resets
In Git, "Reset" is used to undo or modify commit history by adjusting branch pointers and the state of the working directory/staging area. Beginners often make mistakes due to confusion about the different types. The following outlines the three common types and their core distinctions: **Soft Reset (--soft)** Only moves the HEAD pointer while preserving the working directory and staging area. Useful for modifying commit messages or re-staging changes for re-commit (e.g., `git reset --soft HEAD~1`). **Mixed Reset (default --mixed)** Moves the HEAD and resets the staging area, but retains the working directory. Ideal for undoing commits and reorganizing changes before re-committing (no parameters needed by default). **Hard Reset (--hard)** Moves the HEAD and completely resets the staging area and working directory, permanently discarding all modifications. Use only when certain changes are unnecessary (e.g., `git reset --hard HEAD~1`), as this operation is irreversible. **Key Distinctions**: - Reset modifies local commit history (suitable for unshared changes). - Revert creates new commits (use when changes have been pushed). - Hard reset requires caution: always confirm status with `git status` before use. Unbacked-up changes can sometimes be recovered via `reflog` (only applicable for unshared local commits). **Summary**: - Soft reset is lightweight for modifying history. - Mixed reset is the default and most commonly used. - Hard reset is dangerous and requires careful verification.
Read MoreGit Version Comparison: Practical Tips for Viewing Code Changes with the diff Command
The `git diff` command in Git is used to view code changes between versions, a fundamental and practical tool. It can compare differences between the working directory and the staging area, the staging area and historical commits, historical versions, and different branches. Core scenarios and corresponding commands are as follows: `git diff <filename>` for comparing the working directory with the staging area; `git diff --staged` for comparing the staging area with historical commits; `git diff <hash1> <hash2>` for comparing historical versions; and `git diff <branch1> <branch2>` for comparing different branches. Useful parameters include: `-w` to ignore whitespace changes, `--name-only` to only display filenames, `--stat` to show line modification statistics, and `--binary` to compare binary files. In the output, `+` indicates added content and `-` indicates deleted content. Mastering `diff` enables efficient management of code changes and helps avoid accidental commits.
Read MoreGit Version Control: Why Is Git Considered a Standard Tool for Modern Software Development?
Version control tools such as Git are central to modern software development, addressing issues of code change tracking, collaboration, and rollback. Git has become a standard due to its key advantages: its distributed architecture ensures a complete local repository, enabling most operations to be performed offline and enhancing flexibility; branch functionality supports parallel development, with main and development branches acting like independent drafts that do not interfere with each other; commit snapshots record timestamps of every modification, allowing for easy rollback at any time; and its lightweight, efficient design enables quick operations through differential comparisons, ensuring smooth local performance. Additionally, the mature Git ecosystem features widespread industry adoption, abundant open-source resources, and strong tool compatibility. Mastering Git resolves problems such as collaborative chaos, difficult rollbacks, and inefficient parallel development, making it a "must-have" skill for modern software development.
Read MoreThe Distinction Between Git's Staging Area and Working Directory: The Reason for `add` Before `commit`
This article introduces the core concepts, differences, and functions of the working directory and staging area in Git. The working directory consists of files that can be directly operated on locally (like a draft paper), while the staging area is an internal intermediate repository within Git (like a pending review express box). The key differences between them are as follows: location (the working directory is the local file system, while the staging area is internal to Git), editing methods (the working directory can be modified directly, while the staging area requires changes via commands), Git tracking status (the working directory is untracked, while the staging area is marked for commit), and visibility (modifications in the working directory are directly visible, while the staging area is only visible to Git). The process of "add before commit" is mandatory because the staging area allows for more selective commits: skipping the staging area and directly committing would cause Git to submit all changes in the working directory, potentially leading to accidental commits of incomplete work. By following the workflow of "modify → git status → git add → git commit", developers can achieve staged commits. As a buffer zone, the staging area helps developers flexibly control the scope of commits, preventing drafts or incomplete content from being accidentally committed and making code management more controllable.
Read MoreGit Remote Repository Connection: A Comparison of Advantages and Disadvantages of HTTPS vs. SSH
Git commonly uses two methods to connect to remote repositories: HTTPS and SSH. HTTPS is based on HTTP encryption and uses account password authentication. Its advantages are simplicity, ease of use, and good network compatibility, making it suitable for temporary access, public networks, or first-time use. However, it requires repeated password input and relies on password storage security. SSH is based on an encryption protocol and uses key pairs (public key + private key) for authentication. It offers advantages like password-free operations and high security, making it ideal for long-term projects with frequent operations (such as private repositories or internal company projects). On the downside, SSH configuration is slightly more complex (requiring key pair generation and addition to the remote repository), and the default 22 port may be restricted by firewalls. For applicable scenarios: HTTPS is recommended for temporary access and public networks, while SSH is better for long-term projects and frequent operations. Choosing the right method based on the scenario can enhance efficiency and security.
Read MoreDetailed Explanation of the Relationships Between Git Working Directory, Staging Area, and Local Repository
The three core areas of Git (working directory, staging area, and local repository) have clear divisions of labor and work together to complete version control. **Working Directory** is the directory you directly operate on (e.g., a project folder), where you can freely modify files (add, delete, edit). It is the "operation site" visible to the user. **Staging Area** is a hidden temporary area (`.git/index`). You use `git add` to stage changes for commit, and you can preview or undo them (e.g., `git reset HEAD <file>`). It acts like a "transfer station/fridge". **Local Repository** is the `.git` directory, which stores project version history, branches, etc. Changes from the staging area are committed into version history via `git commit`, making it a "permanent storage room". The core workflow among the three is: **Modify → Stage → Commit**: Modify files in the working directory, stage them with `git add`, and commit to the local repository with `git commit`. Understanding this workflow allows you to manage code versions clearly and avoid operational chaos.
Read MoreGit Distributed Version Control System: Why is Git More Recommended for Team Collaboration?
In team collaboration, version control is key to resolving code chaos, conflicts, and other issues. As a distributed version control system, Git is more suitable for team collaboration than centralized systems like SVN. Its core advantages include: 1. **Distributed Architecture**: Each team member has a complete local repository, eliminating reliance on a central server. This enables offline work, ensuring flexible development even when the server fails and maintaining collaboration continuity. 2. **Branch Management**: Through branching, teams can develop different features (e.g., login page, homepage) in parallel. Modifications in independent branches do not interfere with each other, and merged into the main branch upon completion, preventing code overwrites. 3. **Commit Records**: Each commit automatically records the author, timestamp, and description, facilitating content tracking and improving efficiency in collaboration communication and problem troubleshooting. 4. **Conflict Resolution**: When multiple users modify the same file, Git automatically detects conflicts and indicates their locations, allowing users to manually select and retain content for intuitive and efficient resolution. 5. **Community and Tool Support**: As a mainstream tool, platforms like GitHub and GitLab offer rich features (code review, automated deployment), with abundant learning resources and easy access to solutions for issues. With its distributed architecture, branch management, and clear record-keeping, Git makes team collaboration safer, more efficient, and controllable, serving as a...
Read MoreGit Version Control Basics: What is a Version Control System?
Version control solves the problem of "breaking changes and being unable to revert" and multi - person collaboration. A Version Control System (VCS) is an "intelligent filing cabinet" that can record modifications, support rollbacks, and enable collaboration. VCS is divided into three categories: local (only for a single device), centralized (relying on a central server, such as SVN), and distributed (with a complete local copy, such as Git, which can be used offline and has flexible branches). Git is a mainstream distributed VCS developed by Linus Torvalds. Its core advantages include: fast speed, strong branch management (supporting parallel development), and tracking file differences (saving space). Its core concepts include: repository (local/remote), commit (snapshot recording modifications), and branch (parallel development path). Git can handle scenarios such as multi - person collaboration, historical rollbacks, and parallel development. It is an essential skill for programmers, making development more organized and efficient.
Read MoreDetailed Explanation of Git Branches: Differences Between the Main/master Branch and Feature Branches
Git branches are a core tool for code management, with the main branch (main/master) and feature branches being the two most critical types. The main branch is the "cornerstone" of the project, storing stable code deployable to production environments. It is stable, reliable, read-only (only accepts merges), and long-lived, serving as the production baseline and merge target. Feature branches are "temporary side paths" for developing new features or fixing bugs. They are created from the main branch (e.g., feature/xxx), temporarily isolate development, focus on a single task, and are merged back into the main branch and deleted upon completion, enabling parallel development and risk isolation. The core differences between them are: the main branch is a stable baseline with temporary isolation; the main branch is the source, while feature branches are based on it; the main branch is read-only, while feature branches allow free development; the main branch exists long-term, while feature branches are discarded after completion. The correct workflow is to create a feature branch from the main branch, develop and test it, then merge it back into the main branch to ensure the stability of the main branch. Proper use of branches can improve efficiency and code quality, avoiding chaos in the main branch.
Read More