Version control tracks file changes over time, letting you undo mistakes and collaborate without overwriting work. Git manages these changes locally, while GitHub stores repositories online for sharing. This setup is essential for any growing project or team.

For developers, mastering Git prevents lost work and simplifies tracking progress. The process begins with installing Git, creating a GitHub account, and configuring your identity. Initializing a local folder with `git init` turns it into a trackable project, ready for new files.

Next, you stage files with `git add` and save snapshots using `git commit`. Connecting your local repo to GitHub via `git remote add origin` allows you to `git push` code online. To sync changes elsewhere, use `git clone` and `git pull`.