Version control

Andrew Irwin, a.irwin@dal.ca

2024-01-23

What is version control software for?

• Managing changes to files

• Tracking versions between major revisions

• Sharing data, code, and results with team members

• Sharing data, code, and results with the world

Why is version control software important for visualizations?

• Manage changes to data

• Facilitate collaboration

• Organize revision to methods

• Manage your archive of past methods and results

• Distribute data, methods and results

Core git concepts

• Working directory

• Repository

• Stage (add) files

• Commit to repository

• Commit messages

What is github?

• Internet service to manage repository in remote location (“remotes”)

• Collaboration tool

• Many other services (error checking, websites, teams, feedback)

• Need a free account. Sign up at github.com. Send me your github ID.

How to use git and github with Rstudio?

• Create a project with a git repository

• Use the “git” pane to stage, commit, and push to remote (github)

Demonstrations

• See step-by-step instructions in lesson 6

Suggested reading

• Course notes: Version control

Similar presentations from other courses:

• Intro to Data Science course slides on version control

• Data science in a box chapter on version control

More advanced material:

• Bryan and others. Happy git with R

Demo + Practice

• Live demo in class.

• Practice this skill in Assignment 1