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World 0: Start Here

Why save versions?

You will learn: why a time machine for your files beats messy file names.

The problem

final_v3_REAL.docx. Sound familiar? Five copies of one essay. Which one is the newest?

Try it

Put the files in order. Oldest at the top.

Oldest at the top. Put these in order. Use the arrows, or drag.

  • essay_v2.docx
  • final_v2.docx
  • essay_final.docx
  • final_v3_REAL.docx
  • essay.docx

Watch

A better way: keep just one file. Save a version each time, with a short note. This is called version control: A tool that remembers every saved version of your work..

Try it

Slide back in time. Watch the essay change.

dabe77f Add ending · Commit 4 of 4

essay.txtMy Holiday We went to Langkawi.We saw eagles and monkeys.Best trip ever.

Watch

This is Git: A free tool on your computer that saves versions of your project., the most popular version control tool. It lists your save points, newest first.

Predict

A friend deleted your best paragraph. You use version control. What now?

You did it!

You can now explain why version control beats messy file names.

Go deeper (optional)

Version control is not just for code. Writers, designers and scientists use it too. Git can save any file. It shows changes best in text files, like code and notes.