What is the primary function of version control systems?

The primary function of version control systems is to manage changes to source code over time. This allows developers to keep track of modifications, collaborate with others, and maintain a history of their code. By using version control, developers can revert to previous versions of the code, compare changes, and understand the evolution of their software project.

Version control facilitates teamwork by enabling multiple developers to work on the same codebase concurrently without conflicts, ensuring that individual modifications can be integrated seamlessly. Additionally, it supports branching and merging, which are crucial for developing features and fixing bugs independently before integrating them back into the main codebase.

This systematic approach to code management not only protects against data loss but also provides a structured way to document and review changes, allowing for better accountability and clarity in the development process.