This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Ivo Pereira
If you’re in tech—or even just curious about how modern projects come to life—you’ve probably heard people talk about Git and GitHub. They’re mentioned everywhere, but many still don’t know what they actually are, why they matter, or why almost every developer swears by them.
Let me break it down in a way that’s simple, practical, and hopefully a little eye-opening.
What Exactly is Git?
Imagine you’re writing a novel. Every day, you make edits—some big, some small. Wouldn’t it be great if you could:
Save every version of your draft without creating dozens of confusing copies.
Jump back to how the book looked two weeks ago with one command.
Work on different chapters simultaneously without mixing things up.
That’s exactly what Git does for code.
Git is a version control system. It records every change made to your files so you can revisit any point in time, branch off to try new ideas, and collaborate without chaos. It was created by Linus Torvalds (the same mind behind Linux) to solve one problem: managing complex projects with many contributors.
And What is GitHub?
If Git is the tool that tracks your changes, GitHub is the platform where your Git projects live and breathe. Think of it as a global library for code—part storage, part collaboration hub, part social network for developers.
On GitHub, you can:
Store and back up your projects online.
Collaborate with teammates anywhere in the world.
Showcase your work as a portfolio for potential employers.
Explore and contribute to open-source projects that power the modern internet.
GitHub is where Git meets community.
Why Do We Need Them?
In today’s world, no one builds software in isolation. Projects are massive, teams are distributed, and mistakes are inevitable. Git and GitHub solve these challenges by offering:
Version history – Roll back to any point when something breaks.
Smooth teamwork – Multiple people can work on the same project without overwriting each other’s work.
Transparency – Every change is tracked with who made it and when.
Security – Your work is backed up online and protected.
Open source contributions – Anyone can improve, learn from, or share projects.
The Benefits Beyond Coding
Here’s the part most people overlook: Git and GitHub aren’t just for developers.
Students can track assignments and collaborate on group projects.
Writers can manage drafts of articles or books.
Researchers can co-author papers with clean version histories.
Designers can keep track of changes in design files or assets.
Version control is a productivity superpower that goes far beyond code.
Why You Should Start Using Them Today
Still wondering if it’s worth the effort? Here’s why it is:
Career growth – A strong GitHub profile is often more impressive than a résumé.
Learning – You see real-world projects and how professionals structure code.
Safety – No more losing work after a crash or mistake.
Future-proofing – Almost every serious project uses Git under the hood.
At first, the commands may feel intimidating (git init, git commit, git push), but with a little practice, they become second nature.
Final Thoughts
Git is like having a time machine for your projects. GitHub takes that power and connects it to the world, turning your personal code into something collaborative, visible, and impactful.
If you’re building anything—a class project, a side hustle, or a professional application—Git and GitHub aren’t optional anymore. They’re essential.
The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is today.
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Ivo Pereira