Version control keeps a history of every change to a website’s code. Git is the most widely used system. It matters even if you never use it yourself.
Why it matters to you
- Undo mistakes: roll back to a working version if something breaks.
- Accountability: see who changed what and when.
- Safe collaboration: several developers can work without overwriting each other.
- Continuity: a new developer can pick up the full history.
Questions to ask your developer
- Is the code in a Git repository?
- Who owns the repository account? It should be your business or transferable.
- Is there a staging site for testing changes? Read staging sites.
- How are changes deployed to the live site?
What it does not cover
Git tracks code, not always content in the database or uploaded images. You still need backups. Read website backups.
When changes break URLs
Plan redirects with our redirect generator.
Read what you must own.
Want the full picture? This article is part of Business websites: the complete guide, our in-depth guide with everything in one place.
