Course overview
The Version Control Fundamentals course was my first hands-on experience working with version control software. During this course, I learned how to use Git through the command-line, in a GUI, and inside an IDE such as Visual Studio. Using these tools I learned how to track changes to files (stage), record these changes (commit), and even reverse back to previous versions of a file.
Perhaps the most interesting thing I learned about was the concept of branches. Branches can be very useful as they allow you to make changes to a file without actually effecting the original file in the git repository. This can be useful if you’re testing new features or making changes you don’t want in the master branch. And when you do want the changes in the master you can easily merge them.
Course reflection
What I’ve learned from this course is that version control software is a must have for any project, and can be extremely helpful. It’s likely that, no matter the job you obtain in your software development career you’re likely going to encounter version control software and it’s important to know how to properly use it – whether that’s from a GUI interface or through the command-line. Thanks to this course when the time comes I’ll confidently be able to apply what I’ve learned, and remain productive.
Zach Birrell 