What is the purpose of version control in software development?

Version control is essential in software development as it allows developers to manage changes to source code over time effectively. It enables teams to track and record every modification made to the codebase, providing a historical context for when changes were made and by whom. This capability is crucial for collaboration, as multiple developers can work on the same project simultaneously without overwriting each other’s work.

With version control, developers can also revert to previous versions of the code if necessary, which helps to undo mistakes or troubleshoot issues. This system promotes accountability and transparency within the development process, allowing for better tracking of bugs and features.

In contrast to the other choices, which focus on different aspects of the software development lifecycle, version control specifically addresses the organization and management of source code changes.