Git is a free and open-source distributed version control system designed to track changes in computer files, particularly source code, during software development. It is designed for coordinating work among programmers, but it can be used to track changes in any set of files. Its goals include speed, data integrity, and support for distributed, non-linear workflows.
Git was created by Linus Torvalds in 2005 for the development of the Linux kernel. Torvalds began developing Git in April 2005 after the free license for BitKeeper, the proprietary source-control management (SCM) system used for Linux kernel development since 2002, was revoked for Linux. Git is currently maintained by a community of developers and is released under the GNU General Public License version 2.0. The trademark "Git" is registered by the Software Freedom Conservancy.
Key features of Git include its distributed architecture, which provides complete local repositories with full project history on every developer's machine, enabling offline work and eliminating single points of failure. Git also provides branching and merging tools, which enable developers to work simultaneously on different features without conflicts. Git is known for its speed and efficiency, and has a large ecosystem of tools, including GUIs, editor integrations, and command-line tools.
As Git is open source, the core functionality is free. While the Git software is free, many teams opt for hosted Git services like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket for added collaboration features, web interfaces, and integration capabilities. These services typically offer free tiers with limitations and paid commercial plans for team use, with prices varying depending on the features and storage needed.