How does version control benefit software development?

Version control is essential in software development as it manages changes to source code over time. This system allows multiple developers to collaborate on a project effectively by keeping a detailed history of all changes made. Each alteration is recorded in a way that enables developers to track revisions, revert to previous states if necessary, and understand the evolution of the codebase.

This capability promotes collaboration, as developers can work on different features or fixes simultaneously without overwriting each other's work. The history tracked by version control systems also facilitates accountability and traceability, enabling developers to review changes and identify who made specific modifications and when.

The other options do not encapsulate the key benefit of version control. While working offline is advantageous for certain tasks, it does not reflect the primary purpose of version control. Preventing changes to code contradicts the purpose of version control, which is to enable and manage those changes. Lastly, version control is designed to track changes made by multiple contributors, not just one, further supporting its collaborative nature.