What is the difference between Git and SVN?

Git and SVN are both version control systems, but they have some key differences:

1. Distributed vs Centralized: Git is a distributed version control system, meaning that each user has a complete copy of the repository on their local machine. SVN, on the other hand, is a centralized version control system, where there is a single central repository that all users connect to.

2. Branching and Merging: Git has a more advanced branching and merging system compared to SVN. In Git, creating branches is fast and easy, allowing for parallel development and experimentation. Merging branches in Git is also more flexible and powerful. SVN, on the other hand, has a more linear approach to branching and merging.

3. Performance: Git is generally faster than SVN, especially for large repositories. This is because Git stores the entire history of the project locally, making operations like branching, merging, and viewing history faster. SVN, being centralized, requires network access for most operations.

4. Offline Work: Git allows users to work offline and commit changes locally without needing to connect to a central server. SVN, being centralized, requires a network connection to commit changes.

5. Repository Structure: Git stores the entire repository, including all branches and history, in a hidden ".git" folder at the root of the project. SVN, on the other hand, has a ".svn" folder in each directory, which can make the repository larger in size.

Overall, Git is more flexible, powerful, and suitable for distributed teams or projects with complex branching and merging needs. SVN, on the other hand, is simpler and more suitable for centralized teams or projects with linear development workflows.