Git mental model (snapshots not diffs) - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the main difference between Git's mental model and traditional version control systems?

Git stores data as snapshots of the entire project at each commit, not as differences (diffs) between files.

beginner

How does Git treat files internally when you commit changes?

Git takes a snapshot of all files in the project and stores a reference to that snapshot, even if files haven't changed.

intermediate

Why is Git's snapshot model more efficient than storing diffs?

Because unchanged files are stored as links to previous snapshots, saving space and speeding up operations.

beginner

What happens if a file has not changed between commits in Git's snapshot model?

Git does not store the file again; it links to the previous snapshot of that file.

beginner

Explain the concept of a 'commit' in Git using the snapshot mental model.

A commit is like a photo capturing the entire state of your project at a moment in time.

What does Git store when you make a commit?

A Only the changes made since the last commit

B A snapshot of all files in the project

C A backup copy of the entire hard drive

D A list of file names

Git stores a snapshot of the entire project at each commit, not just the changes.

If a file hasn't changed between commits, how does Git handle it?

A Stores a new copy anyway

B Deletes the file

C Links to the previous snapshot of the file

D Marks it as deleted

Git links unchanged files to their previous snapshots to save space.

Why is Git's snapshot approach beneficial?

A It simplifies tracking project state

B It wastes disk space

C It makes commits slower

D It requires manual backups

Snapshots make it easy to see the whole project state at any commit.

Which of these best describes a Git commit?

A A list of file differences

B A temporary file

C A backup of your computer

D A snapshot of the project at a point in time

A commit is a snapshot capturing the entire project state.

Git's snapshot model means:

A Git stores the whole project state each time

B You must save every file manually

C Git stores only changes between files

D Git cannot track file history

Git stores the whole project state as snapshots, not just changes.

Describe how Git's snapshot model works compared to storing diffs.

Think of a photo album versus a list of changes.

Explain why Git's approach to storing data helps with speed and space.

Consider how reusing unchanged parts saves effort.