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Centralized vs. Distributed Version Control

Question

Difference between centralized and decentralized VSC, which one is git?

Short interview answer

A centralized version control system keeps the authoritative history on a central server and clients typically need that server for history operations. A distributed system gives each clone a full repository history; Git is distributed.

Detailed answer

In a centralized workflow, the server is the primary location for history and collaboration. In a distributed workflow, each developer’s clone has the commit graph and can create branches, inspect history, and commit locally. Git repositories can still designate a shared remote such as origin, and most teams do so for coordination and backup, but the model does not require a server for every operation. “Distributed” therefore describes Git’s repository structure, not the absence of a shared team workflow.

Glossary

  • VCS: Version control system.

Sources