Git vs Vault: What are the differences?

Introduction:

Git and Vault are both tools commonly used in software development for version control and source code management. While they serve similar purposes, there are key differences between the two.

1. Architecture: Git is a distributed version control system, where each user has their own copy of the repository with the complete history. In contrast, Vault is a centralized secrets management tool that stores and manages sensitive data like credentials, API keys, and encryption keys in a secure central location.

2. Versioning: Git is primarily focused on version control, allowing developers to track changes to source code over time. It provides features like branching, merging, and commit history. On the other hand, Vault does not focus on versioning but rather on securing and managing sensitive data, allowing granular access control and providing encryption at rest.

3. Collaboration: Git is designed for collaboration, enabling multiple developers to work on the same codebase concurrently. It provides features like pull requests and conflict resolution. Vault, on the other hand, is not designed for collaboration but rather for secure storage and management of secrets.

4. Workflow Integration: Git seamlessly integrates with various development workflows and is widely used in the software development lifecycle. It can be easily integrated with continuous integration and continuous deployment systems. While Vault can also be integrated into development workflows, its primary focus is on the secure management of secrets rather than code deployment.

5. User Access: Git repositories can be accessed by developers who have permission to access the repository. Different levels of access can be granted to different users or teams. In Vault, access control is more granular and can be fine-tuned based on specific secrets or data. It provides features like dynamic secrets and leases for secure access management.

6. Use Cases: Git is primarily used for version control and source code management in software development, enabling developers to work collaboratively and track changes to source code. Vault, on the other hand, is used for secure storage and management of sensitive data, such as database credentials, encryption keys, and API keys. It is commonly used in DevOps and cloud-native environments to manage secrets and ensure the secure operation of applications and infrastructure.

In Summary, Git is a distributed version control system focused on code collaboration and versioning, while Vault is a centralized secrets management tool designed for secure storage and management of sensitive data.