Git vs GitHub
Verdict: Git is the open-source version control system that tracks file changes and intelligently merges them. GitHub is the cloud platform built on Git that stores code and manages collaboration via pull requests.
| Criterion | Git | GitHub |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Open-source version control system that tracks changes to files | Cloud-based platform built on Git to store, share and collaborate |
| Where it runs | Locally on your computer | In the cloud, via the browser |
| Role in merging | Intelligently merges the incoming changes | Manages the flow with features such as pull requests |
| Provides | Version control | Hosting, pull requests, review, collaboration |
Rules
- Git is a version control system that tracks changes to files; GitHub is a cloud-based platform where people store, share and collaborate on that code.
- In a collaborative workflow Git intelligently merges the incoming changes, while GitHub manages the flow through features such as pull requests.
- Storing code in a repository on GitHub lets you showcase work, track history, let others review, and collaborate safely.
Traps
- Do not reverse the roles: Git is the version control system, GitHub is the platform, not the other way around.
- Git and GitHub are not two names for the same thing; GitHub is built on top of Git.