CST438 - Week 3 Reflection

 Describe what are the good points about using Git for source code management. What are possible problems that Git merge does not solve when merging code from different developers?


        This week's lab 5 demonstrated why Linus Torvald saw the need to create Git and additionally why it has become the standard tool for version control management. Git's unmatched traceability when seeking out code change history via commits makes it simple to see all additions, subtractions, adjustments and remediation of the code. Git's use of branches allows developers to work separately on features and bug fixes without disturbing the main branch before verifying the new additions to the code are safe to merge. Git allows for an organized work flow that enhances collaboration while preventing developers from stepping on each other's toes. 

        As lab 5's merge conflict illustrates, Git cannot solve every collaborative coding problem on its own. While detecting a conflict between multiple developers is simple, successfully merging is its own discussion and even a successful merge does not guarantee that the resulting program is correct. Developers can create logical errors and break the code simply by working on different files or sections of code. After a successful merge, Git is not going to report the logical errors and failures to compile that the merge may be now invoking. Communication between developers, thorough testing, and caution are all necessary when programming as a team. Git is the gold standard for managing and resolving changes, but it will never catch the bugs that may now be present in the codebase. 

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