Which method is essential for managing changes in software development?

Version control is a critical method for managing changes in software development because it allows developers to track and manage changes to the codebase over time. This system enables teams to collaborate more effectively by storing different versions of the code, which helps in keeping a history of modifications made, identifying who made changes, and understanding the context around those changes.

With version control, developers can easily revert to previous versions of the code if a problem arises, making it essential for maintaining the integrity and stability of the software. Additionally, it supports branching and merging, which allows multiple features to be developed in parallel without interfering with one another until the changes are ready to be integrated into the main codebase.

While other methods such as code reviews, deployment scripts, and bug tracking play important roles in the software development process, they serve specific purposes. Code reviews help maintain code quality, deployment scripts automate the release process, and bug tracking focuses on identifying and resolving issues. However, version control stands out as a foundational technique that facilitates all aspects of managing software changes effectively.