Definition: Git is a distributed version control system (DVCS) that allows developers to track changes in their code, collaborate with others, and manage different versions of their software projects.
Nature: Git operates locally on a developer’s machine, allowing them to commit changes, create branches, and manage the entire version history of a project.
Key Functions:
Version Control: Tracks changes to source code over time.
Branching: Allows developers to create separate branches for different features or bug fixes.
Merging: Enables the integration of changes from one branch into another.
History Tracking: Maintains a detailed history of changes made to the codebase.
GitHub:
Definition: GitHub is a web-based platform that provides hosting for Git repositories. It adds a web-based graphical interface and several collaboration features on top of the Git functionality.
Nature: GitHub is a remote repository hosting service, allowing developers to store their Git repositories in the cloud and collaborate with others.
Key Functions:
Remote Hosting: Allows developers to store their Git repositories on GitHub servers.
Collaboration: Facilitates collaboration by providing tools for code review, issue tracking, and project management.
Web Interface: Offers a web-based interface for navigating repositories, reviewing code, and managing project issues.
Pull Requests: Provides a mechanism for proposing changes and initiating code review.
Key Differences:
Role:
Git: It is the version control system itself, operating locally on a developer’s machine.
GitHub: It is a web-based platform that uses Git for version control and provides additional collaboration features.
Location:
Git: Works locally on a developer’s machine.
GitHub: Operates on remote servers, providing a platform for hosting and collaborating on Git repositories.
Functionality:
Git: Manages version control and related tasks at the command line or through various Git clients.
GitHub: Adds collaboration features, such as a web interface, issue tracking, pull requests, and code review, on top of Git.
Access:
Git: Can be used independently of any external service.
GitHub: Requires an account on GitHub to utilize its collaborative features and remote repository hosting.
In summary, Git is the version control system itself, while GitHub is a web-based platform that uses Git for version control and adds collaboration and hosting features. Developers often use Git locally on their machines and push their repositories to GitHub for collaboration and remote access.