Software Testing - Version Control in Testing (Git Basics)

Version control is an essential practice in modern software development and testing. It helps save, track, and manage changes to files, test scripts, documents, and automation frameworks.

Among all tools, Git is the most widely used version control system.

1. What is Version Control?

Version Control is a system that:

  • Tracks changes in files

  • Helps multiple people work together

  • Stores every version of code or documents

  • Allows rollback to previous versions

In Testing, it is used to manage:

  • Test cases

  • Test scripts (automation)

  • Test data

  • Documentation

  • Configuration files

  • API collections

  • Framework code

2. Why Testers Need Version Control

Testers use version control for several reasons:

Benefits

  • Prevents loss of test scripts

  • Maintains a history of all changes

  • Helps collaboration with developers

  • Supports continuous integration (CI)

  • Makes automation scalable

  • Allows branching for experimental testing

  • Enables code reviews and quality checks

Version control is mandatory for automation testers & SDETs.

3. What is Git?

Git is a distributed version control system created by Linus Torvalds.

Key Features

  • Local repository on every machine

  • Fast performance

  • Offline work support

  • Popular in DevOps & CICD

  • Flexible branching model

Git is used with platforms like:

  • GitHub

  • GitLab

  • Bitbucket

  • Azure DevOps

4. Git Terminology Every Tester Should Know

Term Meaning
Repository (Repo) Storage location of code or files
Commit Saving changes with a message
Branch A separate workspace for development
Merge Combining changes from one branch to another
Pull Download latest changes from remote
Push Upload local commits to remote
Clone Copy remote repo to local system
Fork Make a personal copy of someone else’s repo
Conflict When two users change same part of a file

5. Git Workflow (Simple Version)

Step-by-step process:

  1. Clone the repository

  2. Create a branch

  3. Make changes

  4. Add changes

  5. Commit changes

  6. Push changes

  7. Create Pull Request (PR)

  8. Get code reviewed

  9. Merge branch into main

This ensures clean collaboration.

6. Basic Git Commands for QA and Automation Testers

Repository Setup

git clone <repo-url>
git init

Check Status

git status

Add Files

git add <file-name>
git add .

Commit Changes

git commit -m "Added new test cases"

Create / Switch Branch

git branch my-branch
git checkout my-branch

Push Changes

git push origin my-branch

Pull Latest Changes

git pull

Merge

git checkout main
git merge my-branch

7. How Git Helps in Software Testing

A) Managing Manual Test Artifacts

  • Test cases

  • Checklists

  • Mind maps

  • Test strategies

Useful for sharing and versioning.

B) Managing Automation Projects

  • Java/Python/JS test scripts

  • Selenium/Cypress/Appium frameworks

  • API test scripts

  • CI/CD integration

Automation becomes collaborative and controlled.

C) Supports Continuous Integration

Git is the backbone of CI/CD.

  • Whenever code is pushed → Jenkins/GitHub Actions triggers test automation

  • Ensures quick feedback

  • Allows continuous testing

8. Git Branching Strategy for Testing Teams

Common models:

1. Feature Branching

Each feature/test change gets its own branch.

2. Release Branch

Used for final testing before deployment.

3. Hotfix Branch

Urgent production fixes.

4. Main/Master Branch

Stable code always.

This ensures organized workflow.

9. Tools Testers Use Alongside Git

  • GitHub Desktop – GUI client

  • Sourcetree – Visual Git client

  • VS Code Git Integration

  • Jenkins / GitHub Actions – For CI

  • Azure DevOps Repos – For enterprise teams

10. Importance of Git in QA Interviews

Common questions asked:

✔ Difference between Git and GitHub
✔ What is a branch?
✔ Commands for push/pull/merge
✔ Resolving merge conflicts
✔ CI/CD pipeline using Git
✔ How Git helps automation testers

Understanding Git is essential for SDET & QA roles.

Summary

Version Control, especially Git, is essential for testers because it ensures:

  • Smooth collaboration

  • Faster development

  • Better quality

  • Continuous testing

  • Organized automation

It is one of the most important skills in the QA roadmap.