The Main Point
2. Tools of the Trade
Okay, so how do you actually see the differences? Well, you have a few options, depending on your preferred workflow and the tools you're already using. The most common approach involves using your Git command-line interface (CLI). It's like having a Swiss Army knife for your code, offering a range of commands to compare branches and spot variations, though perhaps with a slightly steeper learning curve.
Many graphical Git clients, such as GitKraken, Sourcetree, or even the built-in Git features of IDEs like VS Code or IntelliJ IDEA, provide visual diff tools. These tools allow you to see the changes side-by-side, often highlighting the specific lines that have been added, removed, or modified. Imagine comparing two documents with track changes turned on — it's that intuitive!
Some online platforms like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket offer their own built-in diff viewers for pull requests and merge requests. These platforms usually highlight the changes directly within the web interface, making it easy to review and discuss them with your team. If you work heavily with one of these platforms, their UI is a great option.
The best tool for you depends on your personal preferences and the complexity of the changes you're reviewing. Experiment with a few different options to find the one that clicks with you. No one solution fits all; like choosing which flavor of ice cream you like best, it depends on you!