Understanding Git: Key Concepts and Workflow

Introduction

• Presenter: San, co-author of system design interview books.
• Purpose: Simplify Git command workflow and clear misconceptions.
• Focus: Animation-based explanations of complex system design concepts.

Where Code Lives in Git

• Common Assumption: Code exists only on GitHub or local machine.
• Reality: Code is stored in four locations:
  1. Working Directory: Active editing environment on local machine.
  2. Staging Area: Temporary hold for changes before committing.
  3. Local Repository: Stores committed changes on local machine.
  4. Remote Repository: Shared server for code (e.g., GitHub).

Git Command Workflow

1. Clone:
   • Use git clone to create a local copy of a remote repository.
   • Contains the entire project history.
2. Working on Code:
   • Edit files in the working directory.
3. Staging Changes:
   • Use git add to move changes to the staging area.
   • Acts as a checkpoint for changes.
4. Commit Changes:
   • Use git commit to save changes to the local repository.
   • Creates a permanent record, a 'snapshot' of changes.
5. Push to Remote:
   • Use git push to send commits to the remote repository.
   • Facilitates team collaboration and backup.
6. Pull from Remote:
   • Use git pull to fetch and merge changes from remote repository.
   • Combination of git fetch and git merge.

Branching and Collaboration

• Purpose: Develop features without affecting the main codebase.
• Key Tasks:
  • Create a new branch: git branch.
  • Switch branches: git switch or git checkout.
  • Merge branches: git merge.
  • Handle conflicts: Resolve overlapping changes.
• Benefits: Isolated development and collaboration workflows.
• Further Learning: Video on merging and rebasing.

Tools for Git

• Graphical Git Tools: e.g., GitHub Desktop, SourceTree.
  • Offer visual interfaces and shortcuts.
  • Aid new users in using Git.

Additional Resources

• System Design Newsletter: Covers large-scale system design topics.
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