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Version Control

Taught by Meta Staff

Learn how modern software developers collaborate across the world without messing up each other's code. You will look at the different version control systems and how to create an effective software development workflow. You will be introduced to some of the most commonly used Linux commands that you can use to work with files on your hard drive and create powerful workflows that will automate your work, saving you time and effort.

Finally, you will see how Git can be used in software development projects to manage team files. And you will create a repository that can manage code revisions.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Software collaboration
In this module, you will learn about how modern software developers collaborate across the world without messing up each other's code. This involves using version control or subversion to bring order to the chaos of massive software projects that have the potential for mistakes and bugs. You will look at the different version control systems and how to create an effective software development workflow.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops skills for software collaboration in a team environment
Provides a strong conceptual understanding of Git technology and its applications in software development
Taught by Meta Staff with expertise in software development
Introduces fundamental Linux commands for enhanced workflow efficiency
Designed for learners interested in software development workflows and version control systems
Prerequisites may be required for learners without prior experience in software development

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Reviews summary

Beginner-friendly git and version control essentials

According to students, this course offers a largely positive experience, particularly for those new to version control. Learners consistently praise the clear explanations and practical, hands-on activities that help demystify Git and its applications in software development. While the course provides a solid foundational understanding of managing code revisions and collaborative workflows, some learners with prior experience found the pacing a bit slow, indicating it is best suited for beginners. The module on command line essentials is seen as a useful but sometimes brief addition, and some historical technical setup challenges appear to have been addressed.
The command line module is useful but viewed differently by learners.
"The module on the command line was a great bonus, though brief."
"I found the command line module a bit rushed. The graded assessment really tested my understanding."
"The command line section felt out of place and too superficial."
"The command line intro was brief but enough to get started. Useful for context."
Earlier technical setup issues seem to be less prevalent in recent reviews.
"Setting up Git was a bit tricky initially on my machine, but the instructions eventually got me through."
"Some technical issues with the platform or environment setup were frustrating. I managed to get through it."
"I didn't encounter the setup issues mentioned by some older reviews, so it seems improved."
"The initial setup felt a little confusing, but once past that, the course flowed smoothly."
The course excels as an introduction to Git and version control.
"Excellent introduction to Git and version control! I can immediately apply these skills."
"A solid course for beginners looking to understand version control and Git."
"If you're completely new to Git, this is a good starting point."
"Definitely geared towards those new to version control and demystifies Git effectively."
Practical labs and exercises are a significant strength of the course.
"The hands-on labs were incredibly helpful, making complex concepts easy to grasp."
"The exercises reinforced learning. I can immediately apply these skills to my work."
"The hands-on exercises for Git are super useful. It really helped solidify my understanding."
"I gained a solid foundation from completing this course, especially with the practical Git usage."
Course content and instructor explanations are highly praised.
"The instructor explains everything clearly, and the module on the command line was a great bonus."
"The concepts are well-explained, and the exercises reinforced learning."
"Very clear and concise. I appreciate the focus on practical application."
"Absolutely loved the practical examples! This course is perfect for understanding collaborative development."
Pacing may be too slow or basic for those with prior experience.
"As someone with some prior experience, parts of it felt very basic. I wished for more advanced topics."
"Found the course too slow and basic for my needs. Not really for intermediate users."
"It's okay, but it could be more challenging. I finished it quickly."
"There are better resources online if you already know a bit about programming."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Version Control with these activities:
Review Unix Commands
Familiarize yourself with basic Unix commands to enhance your understanding of software development workflow and version control systems.
Browse courses on Unix Commands
Show steps
  • Create a cheat sheet of essential Unix commands.
  • Practice navigating the file system using commands like ls, cd, and pwd.
  • Experiment with file manipulation commands such as cp, mv, and rm.
Participate in a Peer Code Review
Gain valuable feedback on your code by participating in peer code reviews, enhancing your understanding of best practices and improving the quality of your work.
Browse courses on Peer Review
Show steps
  • Join a study group or online forum focused on software development.
  • Submit your code for review and provide feedback to others.
  • Analyze the feedback received and implement improvements in your own code.
Practice using Git
Reinforce your understanding of Git commands and their application in software development projects.
Browse courses on Git
Show steps
  • Set up a local Git repository and add files.
  • Stage and commit changes to your local repository.
  • Create a remote repository and push your changes.
  • Practice branching, merging, and resolving conflicts.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Sample Software Development Workflow
Apply your knowledge of Git and version control to create a practical software development workflow, improving your understanding of real-world project management
Show steps
  • Identify the stages of a software development lifecycle.
  • Determine the tools and technologies required for each stage.
  • Create a step-by-step guide outlining the workflow.
  • Share your workflow with peers or instructors for feedback.
Explore Advanced Git Features
Expand your knowledge of Git by exploring advanced features to enhance your collaboration and code management skills.
Browse courses on Git
Show steps
  • Enroll in online tutorials or workshops on advanced Git topics.
  • Practice using Git hooks to automate tasks and enforce coding standards.
  • Learn about Git submodules to manage external dependencies.
  • Experiment with using Git forges to host and share repositories.
Develop a Command Line Tool
Reinforce your understanding of command line tools by creating your own, enhancing your problem-solving abilities and practical application of software development skills.
Browse courses on Command Line Tools
Show steps
  • Identify a problem or task that could be solved with a command line tool.
  • Design the user interface and functionality of your tool.
  • Write the code using an appropriate programming language.
  • Test and debug your tool to ensure it meets requirements.
Write a Blog Post or Article on a Software Development Topic
Deepen your understanding of software development by researching and writing about a specific topic, sharing your knowledge and refining your communication skills.
Browse courses on Software Development
Show steps
  • Choose a topic related to software development and research it thoroughly.
  • Create an outline for your blog post or article.
  • Write the content, ensuring it is well-written and informative.
  • Edit and proofread your work before publishing.

Career center

Learners who complete Version Control will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Software Developer
A Software Developer collaborates on developing and implementing software systems and programs. They typically work in a team environment, so using tools that help manage changes and allow for effective teamwork is a must. This course provides the foundation for using Git, a commonly used technology in developing software for teams to manage team files and code revisions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer
Computer Programmer
A Computer Programmer works to create, modify, and test software. Being able to use tools like the command line to execute commands in Linux, which is a common operating system for software development, can be very useful in this line of work. This course can help you build that foundation and introduces some of the most commonly used commands.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer
Web Developer
A Web Developer develops websites and web applications. They take into account user needs when designing and developing websites. Using Git to manage team files and code revisions, which this course teaches you, is an important skill to have.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer
Full-Stack Developer
A Full Stack Developer develops both the front-end and back-end of websites and applications. Using Git to manage team files and code revisions, which this course teaches you, is an important skill to have.
See salaries and explore the career path for Full-Stack Developer
Mobile Developer
A Mobile Developer develops applications for mobile devices. Using Git to manage team files and code revisions, which this course teaches you, is an important skill to have.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Developer
Data Engineer
A Data Engineer designs, constructs, and maintains data pipelines to support data analysis and reporting. The command line is an essential tool for any data engineer as they often need to automate tasks that access or manipulate large datasets. This course introduces some of the most commonly used Linux commands that can help build a foundation for a Data Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist gathers, analyzes, and interprets data. The command line is an essential tool for any data scientist as they often need to automate tasks that access or manipulate large datasets. This course introduces some of the most commonly used Linux commands that can help build a foundation for a Data Scientist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Business Intelligence Analyst
A Business Intelligence Analyst gathers and analyzes data to help businesses make informed decisions. Using Git to collaborate with others and to manage team files and code revisions, which this course teaches you, is an important skill for a Business Intelligence Analyst to have.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst
Software Test Engineer
A Software Test Engineer tests software systems and applications to ensure they meet quality standards. Working with Git to manage team files and code revisions, which this course discusses, is an important skill to have.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Test Engineer
User Experience (UX) Researcher
A User Experience Researcher conducts research to understand user needs and behaviors. Using the command line to execute commands in Linux, which is a common operating system in software development, can be useful to this role. This course introduces some of the most commonly used commands.
See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience (UX) Researcher
Product Manager
A Product Manager plans, develops, and markets products. They work closely with software development teams, so understanding some of the tools and technologies they use, such as Git and the command line, which this course provides an overview of, may be helpful in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Information Security Analyst
An Information Security Analyst plans and implements security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. Understanding the command line, which this course introduces, is useful in this role and knowing how to use Git may be helpful when collaborating with other members of an organization's IT team.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst
IT Support Specialist
An IT Support Specialist provides technical support to users of computer systems and applications. Knowing how to use the command line to execute commands in Linux, which this course teaches, is useful in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Support Specialist
Systems Administrator
A Systems Administrator maintains and repairs computer systems and networks. Using the command line to execute commands in Linux is essential in this role. This course introduces some of the most commonly used commands.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator manages and maintains databases. Understanding the command line, which this course introduces, is useful in this role and knowing how to use Git may be helpful when collaborating with other members of a team.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Version Control.
Cover image
Version Control with Git
Save
While this book is focused on Git, it also provides a good grounding in general source control practices and concepts, and so would be a valuable supplementary text.
Version Control with Git: Powerful tools and...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
The Pragmatic Programmer
Save
Collection of practical tips and advice for software developers. It covers a wide range of topics, including version control, testing, and communication. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to improve their software development skills.
The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey To Mastery,...
Hardcover
$$
Pragmatic Programmer, The: From Journeyman to Master
Kindle Edition
$$
(Italiano) Pragmatic Programmer - Edizione del 20°...
Kindle Edition
$$
(Italiano) Il Pragmatic Programmer: Guida per manovali del...
Kindle Edition
$$
(中文) The Pragmatic Programmer: access to the highest...
Paperback
$$
Pragmatic programmer (Korean Edition)
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Pragmatic Unit Testing in Java 8 with JUnit
Save
Practical guide to using Git for version control. It covers everything from basic usage to advanced topics such as branching and merging. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Git.
Pragmatic Unit Testing in Java 8 with JUnit
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Git Pocket Guide
Save
Concise guide to Git. It covers the basics of Git, as well as some more advanced topics. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Git.
Git Pocket Guide: A Working Introduction
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Mercurial: The Definitive Guide
Save
Guide to Mercurial, a popular version control system. It covers the basics of Mercurial, as well as some more advanced topics. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Mercurial.
Mercurial: The Definitive Guide
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Git Essentials
Save
Tutorial that covers the basics of Git. It's a great resource for anyone who is new to Git.
Git Essentials - Second Edition
Paperback
$$
Git Essentials
Paperback
$$
Git Essentials: Create, merge, and distribute code...
Kindle Edition
$$
Git Essentials
Kindle Edition
$$

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Meta
Instructor
Taught by Meta Staff
Language
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Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch العربية Ελληνικά magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
Version Control belongs to the following collections:
  1. Meta Back-End Developer
  2. Meta Back-End Developer
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops skills for software collaboration in a team environment
Provides a strong conceptual understanding of Git technology and its applications in software development
Taught by Meta Staff with expertise in software development
Introduces fundamental Linux commands for enhanced workflow efficiency
Designed for learners interested in software development workflows and version control systems
Prerequisites may be required for learners without prior experience in software development
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