How do you store and manage software code?

1 Version control

Version control is a system that records the history of your code, allowing you to see what changes were made, when, and by whom. Version control also lets you create branches, which are separate copies of your code that you can work on independently, and merge them back into the main code when you are done. Version control is essential for teamwork, as it prevents conflicts and ensures consistency. Some of the most popular version control tools are Git, Subversion, and Mercurial.

2 Code hosting

Code hosting is a service that provides online storage and access for your code repositories, which are the collections of files and folders that contain your code and version control data. Code hosting makes it easier to share your code with others, as well as to backup, clone, and restore your code. Code hosting also often offers additional features, such as issue tracking, code review, documentation, and integration with other tools. Some of the most widely used code hosting platforms are GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket.

4 Code testing

Code testing is a process of verifying that your code works as expected and meets the requirements and specifications of your software. Code testing can help you detect and fix errors and bugs, as well as to improve the functionality and usability of your software. Code testing can be done at different levels and stages of software development, such as unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and acceptance testing. Code testing can be automated or manual, and can use tools such as test frameworks, test runners, and test coverage tools.

5 Code documentation

Code documentation is a written description of your code, explaining what it does, how it works, and how to use it. Code documentation can help you and others to understand, maintain, and extend your code, as well as to communicate your design and logic. Code documentation can be written in different formats and styles, such as comments, docstrings, markdown, or HTML. Code documentation can also be generated automatically from your code using tools such as Doxygen, Sphinx, or Javadoc.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?