What is GitHub? We explain the leading software site

Special to open source software, GitHub is the most important service of its kind. We explain the purpose of GitHub and take a look at its background and areas of application.

Transparent version management: GitHub is the central hub for software projects.

The world of software has become almost unmanageable. Central online tools that help with overview, management and further development are therefore indispensable.

What is GitHub - and who uses it?

In open source projects, it is common for many developers to collaborate, often assigned to very specific areas. From this, new versions are constantly being created, which makes a proper overview all the more important. GitHub fulfills exactly this purpose:

• GitHub is used for clear version management.
• The site is thus a central and at the same time automated place, since each update can be uploaded directly by the respective developer. This also allows for a quick exchange of data.
• As older versions remain listed at the same time, the history can be transparently tracked at any time.
• The possibilities offered by GitHub are extremely practical, not least in the scientific field, as they allow updates and information exchange around the world.

Due to its growing popularity, GitHub was purchased by Microsoft in 2018; however, the Seattle-based company announced directly that GitHub should remain independent.