What is Git?
Version control for code. Think of a magic undo system with unlimited levels. A lifesaver since 2005.
Git is a tool that keeps track of every change in a project — usually code, but it works for any text. Imagine writing a document and saving a new version every time you change something important. The difference is that Git does this for you, automatically and without limit, without your folder filling up with files called "final_version_v3_ACTUAL_final.docx".
Every time you save in Git (called making a "commit"), a snapshot is taken of how everything looks at that moment. Want to go back to how it looked last Tuesday? One command. Want to try a bold idea without breaking what already works? You create a "branch" — a parallel copy where you can experiment freely, and merge it with the original only if it turned out well.
Git was created in 2005 by the same person who built the Linux operating system, and has since become the standard across virtually the entire software world. It is free and runs on your own computer.
Why is Git important for your business?
If someone builds something digital for you — a website, an app, a system — the code almost certainly lives in Git. That means no work is lost, several people can work on the same project without overwriting each other, and you can always trace who changed what and when.
For you as a client, it is reassurance: the code is documented, backed up, and possible to hand over to another developer if needed. You are not locked to a single person.
Git in practice
Say ZORC builds a booking page for your business. One developer works on the payment feature, another on the design — at the same time, in the same project, without conflicts. When a new feature is ready and tested, it is merged with the rest. If an update accidentally causes problems, you can roll back to the last working version in seconds, instead of the site being down for a whole day.
Common questions about Git
What does Git mean?
Git is a free version control tool that tracks every change in a project, usually code. It lets you go back to older versions and lets several people work together without overwriting each other.
What is the difference between Git and GitHub?
Git is the tool that handles version control on your own computer. GitHub is a web service where you store your Git projects online so others can access and collaborate on them. Git can be used entirely without GitHub.
Do I need to know Git as a business owner?
No, Git is a developer tool. But it is worth knowing it exists, because it means the code behind your website or app is backed up and can be taken over by another supplier if needed.
Related terms
CI/CD
Continuous Integration / Deployment — automated testing and release. Code goes live in minutes, not days.
CMS
The engine that lets you edit your website without coding. Like a word processor for your site.
Docker
Packages your app with everything it needs in a container. 'It worked on my machine' is no longer an excuse.
Figma
A design tool that lives in the browser. The whole team can work in the same file at once. It overtook Sketch almost overnight.
GitHub
Where code lives. Version control, collaboration, and the world's largest code library. Microsoft owns it now.
Low-code
A little code, lots of drag-and-drop. A middle ground between no-code and full development. Fast — but with limits.