What version control is
Version control (like Git) tracks changes to your code over time. It records what changed, when, and why, so you can see history, undo mistakes, and work safely.
Think of it like "track changes" for code, but much more powerful.
Why version control matters
1) History and undo
- See what changed: View any version of your site from any point in time.
- Undo mistakes: Revert to a previous version if something breaks.
- Find when bugs were introduced: Track down when a problem started.
2) Safe experimentation
- Try changes safely: Make changes in a branch, test them, then merge if they work.
- No fear of breaking things: You can always go back to a working version.
- Test before live: Make changes, test them, then deploy when ready.
3) Collaboration
- Multiple people can work safely: Changes do not conflict or overwrite each other.
- See who changed what: Track who made which changes and when.
- Merge changes: Combine work from different people automatically.
4) Backup and recovery
- Code is backed up: Version control is a backup of your code.
- Recover from disasters: If your server fails, you can restore from version control.
- Multiple copies: Code lives in multiple places (your computer, server, hosting provider).
How version control works (simplified)
Basic concepts
- Repository (repo): The folder where your code and its history live.
- Commit: A snapshot of your code at a point in time, with a message describing what changed.
- Branch: A separate line of development where you can make changes without affecting the main code.
- Merge: Combining changes from one branch into another.
Typical workflow
- Make changes: Edit files on your computer.
- Stage changes: Tell version control which files to include.
- Commit: Save a snapshot with a message (e.g. "Fix form validation").
- Push: Send commits to a remote repository (e.g. GitHub, your server).
- Deploy: Update the live site from the repository.
What you need to know (as a site owner)
You do not need to use it yourself
If you are not a developer, you do not need to learn Git commands. But you should know if your developer uses version control and why it matters.
What to ask developers
- Do you use version control? The answer should be yes for any professional project.
- Where is the repository? GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, or your own server?
- Do I have access? Can you access the code if needed?
- How do you deploy? How do changes go from code to live site?
For more on working with developers, see working with web developers and ten things to check before you hire a web developer.
Benefits for small business sites
1) Safer updates
- Test before live: Make changes, test them, then deploy.
- Quick rollback: If something breaks, revert to the previous version quickly.
- Confidence: Knowing you can undo changes makes updates less scary.
2) Better handover
- Complete history: New developers can see what changed and why.
- Clear documentation: Commit messages document changes.
- Easier onboarding: New team members can understand the project faster.
For more on handover, see handing over your website.
3) Professional practice
- Industry standard: Version control is standard practice for professional development.
- Shows care: Using version control shows the developer cares about quality and maintainability.
- Future-proof: Makes it easier for other developers to work on the site later.
Common misconceptions
"It is too complicated for small sites"
Version control is useful for sites of any size. Even simple sites benefit from history, safe updates, and the ability to undo mistakes.
"I do not need it if I am the only developer"
Version control helps even solo developers: history, undo, safe experimentation, and backup. Plus, you may not always be the only person working on the site.
"It is only for code"
Version control tracks code, but the benefits (history, undo, collaboration) apply to any project that changes over time.
What if your developer does not use version control?
- Ask why: There may be a good reason, but usually it is a red flag.
- Request it: Ask them to set it up. It is standard practice and should not add much cost.
- Consider alternatives: If they refuse, consider whether they are the right developer for a long-term project.
Summary
What it is: Tracks changes to code over time, like "track changes" but more powerful.
Why it matters: History and undo, safe experimentation, collaboration, backup and recovery.
What you need to know: You do not need to use it yourself, but ask developers if they use it and where the repository is.
Benefits: Safer updates, better handover, professional practice.
For more on working with developers and code quality, see CSS and JavaScript: keeping code maintainable and performance, quality code, and knowing what you are doing. For help with website development, see website build services. You can also get in touch to discuss your project.