Version Control Systems

Version control systems (VCS) are essential software tools that help PHP development teams manage changes to source code over time. These systems track every modification in a special kind of database, allowing for seamless collaboration, code history tracking, and the ability to revert to previous versions if needed. For modern PHP developers, proficiency with at least one VCS is a core requirement.

Key Systems in the PHP Ecosystem

While several version control systems have been used over the years, one has become the de facto standard for PHP and web development in general: Git. It is a distributed version control system, meaning every developer has a full copy of the project history on their local machine, enabling faster operations and offline work.

Core Competencies and Platforms

Employers expect PHP developers to be proficient with Git commands and collaborative workflows. This includes a solid understanding of platforms that host Git repositories and provide additional collaboration tools.

• Git: The dominant VCS. Essential commands include commit, push, pull, branch, and merge.
• GitHub: The most popular platform for hosting public and private Git repositories.
• GitLab: A comprehensive DevOps platform built around Git, offering CI/CD, and more.
• Bitbucket: Another popular Git hosting service, known for its integration with other Atlassian products like Jira.