Name a popular version control system used in software development.

Git is a highly popular version control system used in software development due to its efficiency, speed, and powerful branching and merging capabilities. It enables multiple developers to work simultaneously on a project without interfering with each other's work, making it ideal for collaborative environments. Git tracks changes in code and allows developers to revert back to previous versions easily, enhancing the reliability and organization of the development process. Its distributed nature means that each user has a complete copy of the repository, allowing for robust local development and flexibility in workflow.

Additionally, Git has become the foundation for many modern development platforms and collaboration tools, such as GitHub and GitLab, which further amplify its usage and relevance in the software development industry. The community and support around Git are extensive, offering numerous resources and documentation, helping developers to learn and adopt it efficiently.

Although other version control systems like Subversion, Mercurial, and CVS have their uses, Git's broad adoption and innovative features contribute significantly to its status as the preferred version control system in today’s software development landscape.