---
type: concept
title: Version Control System
tags: [vcs, software-development, research-data]
related: [git]
created: 2026-07-01
updated: 2026-07-01
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_webdienste_versionskontrollsysteme_basisbefehle_git.md"]
---

# Version Control System

A **Version Control System (VCS)** is a category of software tools that record changes to a file or set of files over time. This allows specific versions to be recalled later, facilitating collaboration and providing a safety net for experimental changes.

In a research and teaching context, VCS is used to:
- Track the evolution of source code for software projects.
- Maintain history for configuration files.
- Enable collaborative editing without overwriting others' work.

**git** is the primary VCS tool documented for use within the Universität Greifswald infrastructure.