Definition
Source control is a system that tracks and manages changes to files over time, allowing multiple people to collaborate on a project without overwriting each other's work. It acts as a central repository where different versions of code or documents are stored and organized. This process is crucial for maintaining a history of modifications, reverting to previous states if needed, and facilitating teamwork in software development and other collaborative projects. Developers commonly use tools like Git to commit changes, branch out for new features, and merge their work back into the main project. This prevents data loss and ensures that everyone is working with the most up-to-date version of the project, unlike simple file backups which lack collaborative features. Understanding source control is fundamental for roles covered in certifications like CompTIA Security+, AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate, and Project Management Professional (PMP).