Day 23 – Version Control Best Practices for PHP Full Stack Developers

Introduction

On Day 23, we focus on version control with Git, an essential skill for PHP Full Stack Developers. Proper version control ensures collaboration, code safety, and efficient project management.

At CuriosityTech.in, learners implement Git workflows, branching strategies, and best practices, enabling them to work effectively in team environments and manage large PHP & Laravel projects.


1. Why Version Control Matters

BenefitDescription
Code BackupKeeps historical versions of code
CollaborationMultiple developers can work simultaneously
BranchingSeparate features, fixes, and experiments
DeploymentSmooth integration with CI/CD pipelines
RollbackRevert to previous working states if needed

2. Setting Up Git

Install Git:

sudo apt-get install git   # Ubuntu

brew install git           # macOS

Configure Git:

git config –global user.name “Bhavesh Barange”

git config –global user.email “contact@http://curiositytech.in

Initialize Repository:

cd project-directory

git init


3. Core Git Commands

CommandDescription
git statusCheck changes in working directory
git add .Stage all changes
git commit -m “message”Commit staged changes
git logView commit history
git diffSee code differences
git branchList branches
git checkout branch_nameSwitch branch
git merge branch_nameMerge branches

4. Recommended Git Workflow

Feature Branch Workflow:

main (production)

└── develop (integration)

    ├── feature/authentication

    ├── feature/cart

    └── feature/payment

Steps:

  1. Create a feature branch from develop:

git checkout -b feature/authentication develop

  • Implement code and commit regularly:

git add .

git commit -m “Implemented login functionality”

  • Push branch to remote:

git push origin feature/authentication

  • Merge into develop via Pull Request or Merge Request
  • Once tested, merge develop into main for deployment

5. Collaboration Best Practices

  • Write meaningful commit messages
  • Pull changes before pushing to avoid conflicts:

git pull origin develop

  • Use .gitignore to exclude unnecessary files:

vendor/

node_modules/

.env

  • Resolve merge conflicts carefully

6. Git for Laravel Projects

  • Track routes, controllers, models, migrations, and views
  • Exclude vendor folder and storage (except .gitignore)
  • Commit database migrations for team synchronization

Example .gitignore for Laravel:

/vendor

/node_modules

/public/storage

/storage/*.key

/.env


7. Hierarchical Diagram: Git Branching & Workflow


8. CuriosityTech.in Perspective

At CuriosityTech.in, learners integrate Git into PHP and Laravel projects, practicing:

  • Branching strategies for teams
  • Pull requests and code review processes
  • Conflict resolution and rollback techniques
  • Maintaining a clean and organized repository

This ensures learners are ready to collaborate efficiently in professional environments.


9. Infographic Concept: Version Control Best Practices

  1. Initialize repository & configure Git
  2. Commit regularly with meaningful messages
  3. Use feature branches for development
  4. Merge and test in develop branch
  5. Deploy from main branch for production

Conclusion

Version control is essential for professional Full Stack PHP Developers. Today’s lesson ensures that learners can track changes, collaborate effectively, and maintain code quality. Mastery of Git is critical for team projects, open-source contributions, and real-world PHP applications.

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