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Website explainer · 1:47

Git vs GitHub: Version Control and Collaboration Explained

Are Git and GitHub the same thing? Git tracks project history; GitHub hosts repositories and collaboration tools.

Jersey Web video: Git or GitHub? Know the roles.

1:47 · No narration: the video shows each step as text on screen, and every step is written out below, with buttons that jump the video to it.

Download the on-screen text track (VTT)

The six points in the video

This is a silent video. The headings, explanations and labels below reproduce the information on screen.

  1. Step 1: Git tracks project history

    It records changes to files in a version-controlled project.

    On-screen labels: Tracked files; Saved changes; Project history.

  2. Step 2: Git can work on a computer

    A local repository can hold code and its history.

    On-screen labels: Local project; Local history; Developer workflow.

  3. Step 3: GitHub hosts repositories

    Teams can store and collaborate on Git projects online.

    On-screen labels: Hosted repository; Team access; Shared project.

  4. Step 4: Collaboration adds review tools

    Issues and pull requests help discuss work and proposed changes.

    On-screen labels: Issue discussion; Proposed change; Code review.

  5. Step 5: Ownership still needs checking

    Know which business or team controls the hosted project.

    On-screen labels: Repository owner; Authorised access; Handover arrangements.

  6. Step 6: Code history has a defined scope

    A repository may not include live databases or uploaded customer files.

    On-screen labels: Tracked project files; Separate live data; Complete backup plan.

A practical check for your business

Ask where the project's repository is held and who can access it. Review the business's ownership and handover arrangements as well as the developer's day-to-day use of Git.

Sources and further detail

See it in a diagram

Three stages show a recorded code change, review of the proposed update, and deployment of an approved version to the intended environment.
Project history, review and deployment. A recorded or merged change is not proof the live website uses it. Verify the deployed version.
Read the diagram as text
  1. Record the change: Save an identifiable commit
  2. Review the update: Inspect the proposed differences
  3. Deploy and check: Verify the intended environment

Keep the release reference. Connect the live deployment with the reviewed project version.

Live databases and uploaded files may need separate backup and recovery.

Diagram by Jersey Web. Open full size · Source and further detail (opens in a new tab)

Common questions

Are Git and GitHub the same thing?

Git tracks project history; GitHub hosts repositories and collaboration tools. Ask where the editable project and its history are kept.

Go further

Guide Read the practical guide More context for planning and maintaining your business website. 5 min read → Jargon Buster Version control explained Read the related Jargon Buster explanation. Read the explanation → Jargon Buster Git explained Read the related Jargon Buster explanation. Read the explanation →

Ask where the editable project and its history are kept.

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