Rant: My first project took 3 weeks until I started using version control

I mean, I was just saving my Python script as 'project_final_v2_final_really.py' on my desktop. Last month, I messed up a loop and had no way to get back to the working version from two days before. I installed Git, made my first commit, and literally the next day I broke something but could just revert it in like 30 seconds. Has anyone else had a moment where a basic tool suddenly made everything click?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_mila1mo agoMost Upvoted

Totally get it, my desktop looked exactly like @uma_martinez described. I once lost a whole function and had to retype it from a screenshot. Setting up a repo and making those first few commits felt like finding a life raft.

uma_martinez1mo ago

Oh man, did you also have a folder full of files named "backup_old_new_test.py"? I once deleted a config file by mistake and spent half a day trying to rewrite it from memory. After that, I forced myself to learn git basics. Being able to see exactly what changed and roll it back feels like a superpower now.

susan_bell1mo ago

Yeah that "feels like a superpower" line is so true. I used to think version control was just extra work for teams. My own mess was fine, I knew my own system. Then I had to merge changes from a partner on a school project and it was a total disaster of conflicting files. Learning git felt like a chore at first but now I can't imagine working without it. That safety net of being able to go back is everything.