GitHub is the world's largest software development platform, serving as a central hub for developers to store, share, and collaborate on code repositories. Founded in 2008, GitHub has grown into an ecosystem that powers millions of projects, from open-source to enterprise-level initiatives. Understanding how GitHub works is crucial for anyone involved in software development. Here's a breakdown of its core components and functionalities.

Core Components of GitHub

1. Repositories: These are centralized storage spaces for codebases, documentation, and other project-related files. Repositories are easily shareable and come with comprehensive access controls to manage who can view or edit the project.

2. Commits: Commits are snapshots of a project at specific points in time, capturing changes made to the codebase. They allow developers to track the evolution of their code over time.

3. Branches: Branches provide a safe space for developers to work on new features or fix bugs without directly …