CS: Version Control: What Is Git? Worksheet

Question 1

In your own words, explain what version control means in computer science.

Accepted Answer

Version control is a system for keeping track of changes to files over time. It helps people save different versions, go back to earlier work, and understand what changed.

Question 2

What is Git, and what kind of problem does it help solve?

Accepted Answer

Git is a version control tool used to track changes in files, especially code files. It helps solve problems like losing work, not knowing what changed, and combining work from multiple people.

Question 3

A student saves a game project as game-final, game-final2, game-final-real, and game-final-real-updated. Explain how Git could make this easier.

Accepted Answer

Git could make this easier by storing changes as organized commits instead of many confusing file copies. The student could see the history of changes and return to an older version if needed.

Question 4

What is a repository, often called a repo, in Git?

Accepted Answer

A repository is a project folder that Git is tracking. It includes the project files and the history of changes made to those files.

Question 5

What is a commit in Git? Explain it using the idea of taking a snapshot.

Accepted Answer

A commit is a saved record of changes in a Git project. It is like taking a snapshot of the project at one moment so you can see or return to that version later.

Question 6

Why should a commit message be clear and specific?

Accepted Answer

A commit message should be clear and specific so people can understand what changed without opening every file. A helpful message makes the project history easier to read.

Question 7

Choose the better commit message and explain why: fixed stuff or added login button to home page.

Accepted Answer

The better commit message is added login button to home page because it explains the specific change. Fixed stuff is too vague to help someone understand the project history.

Question 8

What does it mean to track changes in a file?

Accepted Answer

To track changes means to record what was added, removed, or edited in a file. Git can show these changes so users can review the work.

Question 9

Imagine you wrote code yesterday that worked, but today your new changes broke it. How could Git help?

Accepted Answer

Git could help by showing what changed since yesterday and by letting you return to an earlier working version. This makes it easier to find and fix the problem.

Question 10

What is a branch in Git?

Accepted Answer

A branch is a separate line of work in a Git project. It lets someone try changes or build a new feature without immediately changing the main version.

Question 11

Why might a programmer create a branch before trying a risky change?

Accepted Answer

A programmer might create a branch so the risky change does not affect the main project right away. If the idea works, it can be added later, and if it fails, the main version stays safe.

Question 12

What does it mean to merge a branch?

Accepted Answer

To merge a branch means to combine changes from one branch into another branch. For example, a finished feature branch can be merged into the main branch.

Question 13

Two students edit the same sentence in a shared project in different ways. What kind of problem might Git report, and what must the students do?

Accepted Answer

Git might report a merge conflict because it cannot automatically choose between the two different edits. The students must review the conflict and decide which version to keep or how to combine them.

Question 14

How is Git different from simply using an undo button in a text editor?

Accepted Answer

Git is different because it stores a long-term history of saved project versions, not just recent actions in one editing session. Git can also help teams compare, share, and combine changes.

Question 15

Write one short example of a school project where Git would be useful. Explain why it would help.

Accepted Answer

Git would be useful for a group website project because each student could work on different files or features while Git tracks the changes. It would help the group avoid losing work and understand who changed what.

CS: Version Control: What Is Git?

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