What is the purpose of version control systems like Git?

Version control systems, such as Git, serve the essential function of tracking changes to code over time. This capability allows developers to maintain a history of code modifications, making it easy to understand how the codebase has evolved. Each change can be recorded along with information about who made it, when it was made, and the reason for the change. This historical tracking facilitates collaboration among team members, as multiple contributors can safely work on different aspects of a project simultaneously without fearing that their changes will conflict with those made by others.

Additionally, version control systems enable functionalities such as reverting to previous versions of code, branching to work on features or fixes in isolation, and merging changes from different branches, which enhances the overall workflow in software development. By utilizing these features, development teams can ensure a more organized approach to managing their code, ultimately leading to improved productivity and software quality.