What Version control (Git) means
Version control means no change is lost and a bad update can be undone quickly. It lets several developers work safely at once and creates a clear history of who changed what. Any serious web project should have it.
Why it matters for your website
Version control means a bad change can be undone in minutes instead of rebuilding a broken site. It also shows who changed what and when, which protects you if you switch developers or need to troubleshoot.
Example
A hypothetical developer pushes an update that breaks a store's checkout, and because the site uses Git, they roll back to the last working version right away.
Tips
- Make sure your site's code lives in a repository you own, not just your developer's account.
- Write short, clear notes with each change so history is easy to follow.
- Never commit passwords or API keys to the repository.
Common mistakes
- Letting a freelancer keep the only copy of your site's code.
- Making changes directly on the live server outside version control.
Questions about Version control (Git)
What is Version control (Git)?
A system that records every change to a site's code so work can be reviewed, shared and rolled back.
What is the difference between Git and GitHub?
Git is the version control software that tracks changes. GitHub is a hosting service for Git repositories that adds collaboration tools.
Do WordPress sites use version control?
Themes and custom plugins can and often should be tracked in Git. Content and settings live in the database, which needs separate backups.
