Introduction

In this chapter, we will take a look at Git's data model. We will learn how Git references its objects and how the history is recorded. We will learn how to navigate the history, from finding certain text snippets in commit messages, to the introducing a particular string in the code.

The data model of Git is different from other common version control systems (VCSs) in the way Git handles its data. Traditionally, a VCS will store its data as an initial file, followed by a list of patches for each new version of the file:

Git is different: Instead of the regular file and patches list, Git records a snapshot of all the files tracked ...

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