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Version Control

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.

Command Line

In this module you will learn how to use the command line to execute commands in Linux. You will be introduced to some of most commonly used commands that traverse, create, rename, and delete files on your hard drive. You will learn how easy it is to use piping and redirection to create powerful workflows that will automate your work, saving you time and effort.

Working with Git

This module will help you to develop a strong conceptual understanding of the Git technology and how it is used in software development projects to manage team files. You will install Git, create a local repository, create a commit, create a remote repository and push commits to a remote repository.

Graded Assessment

In this module, you will be assessed on the key skills covered in the Course.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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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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

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Familiarize yourself with basic Unix commands to enhance your understanding of software development workflow and version control systems.

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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

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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.

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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

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Reinforce your understanding of Git commands and their application in software development projects.

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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

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Create a Sample Software Development Workflow

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Apply your knowledge of Git and version control to create a practical software development workflow, improving your understanding of real-world project management

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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

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Expand your knowledge of Git by exploring advanced features to enhance your collaboration and code management skills.

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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

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Reinforce your understanding of command line tools by creating your own, enhancing your problem-solving abilities and practical application of software development skills.

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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

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Deepen your understanding of software development by researching and writing about a specific topic, sharing your knowledge and refining your communication skills.

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Version Control with Git

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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

The Pragmatic Programmer

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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

$$$

Pragmatic Unit Testing in Java 8 with JUnit

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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

Git Pocket Guide

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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

Mercurial: The Definitive Guide

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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