Version control is a system that records changes to files over time, allowing for recall of specific versions, collaboration, and tracking of changes.
Git is the most widely used version control system, providing features like change tracking, collaboration, branching, and distributed work.
To get started with Git, download and install it from the official website. Git commands like init, add, commit, status, log, remote, and push are essential for basic workflow.
Branching in Git enables working on features or bug fixes independently, with subsequent merging into the main branch. Best practices include frequent commits, branch usage, reviewing changes, and resolving conflicts carefully.