What is Version Control?

Okay, quick story.

When I started coding in JavaScript, I had a nasty habit: every time I made changes to a file, I saved a new version. Not with Git—I'm talking manual versions like main-final.js, main-final-FINAL.js, and of course, main-final-really-final-FIXED2.js. If you've done this too, you're not alone... but also, stop it. There’s a better way.

That better way is version control. It’s like a time machine for your code—with some collaboration superpowers thrown in. Whether you're fixing a bug, testing a new feature, or just trying not to break stuff (again), version control has your back.

So, What Is Version Control?

Imagine if Google Docs kept every single change you ever made—and let you jump back to any version instantly. That’s basically version control, but for code.

You don’t need to manually copy files anymore. Instead, version control tracks your changes, remembers everything, and lets you roll back if you mess up (which you will, and that’s okay).

If you want a deeper dive into how version control works at a technical level, check out this Atlassian Git tutorial—it’s one of the best beginner-friendly resources out there.

Why It’s a Lifesaver for JavaScript Developers

Whether you're building a todo app or the next big thing in React or Vue, version control just makes life easier:

  • Messed something up? Roll back like it never happened. It’s like undo on steroids.
  • Want to try something risky? Create a branch. Go wild. You can always come back to the stable version.
  • Working with others? No more "Hey, you overwrote my code!" drama.
  • Even solo devs need it. I’ve debugged late-night bugs faster just by checking what changed the day before.

Honestly, I wish I’d learned version control before breaking my first freelance project. Lesson learned: always commit early and often. Your future self will thank you.

Meet Git (and Its Buddy GitHub)

There are a few version control tools out there, but let’s not overcomplicate things:

  • Git: This is the tool that runs on your computer and tracks your code changes. It's fast, flexible, and used by pretty much every developer who isn’t living under a rock.
  • GitHub: Think of this as Git’s cloud-powered sidekick. You push your code online, collaborate with others, and even show off your work. (Yes, employers will look at your GitHub. Make it shine.)
  • Other tools: There’s SVN, Mercurial… but honestly, unless you’re time-traveling back to 2009, stick with Git.

Version control isn't just for big teams or massive projects. It’s for you, right now, even if you’re still figuring out console.log. In the next lesson, Git vs GitHub Explained, we’ll break down exactly how these two work together, what makes them different, and why every JavaScript developer needs to know both.

Trust me: once you go Git, you never go back.