How does distributed VCS offer speed advantages compared to centralized VCS?

The choice highlighting that most operations do not require network access correctly identifies a fundamental advantage of distributed version control systems (VCS) over centralized systems. In a distributed VCS, each developer has a complete copy of the entire repository, including its history, on their local machine. This allows developers to perform most tasks—such as committing changes, viewing history, and creating branches—entirely offline.

The independence from constant network connectivity means that developers can work at their own pace, minimizing delays that could occur if they had to constantly request access to a central server for standard operations. This leads to increased efficiency and speed, as operations can be performed locally without waiting for server responses. Additionally, it fosters a more flexible workflow, enabling developers to continue working regardless of any issues with network connectivity.

In contrast, options that suggest needing constant network connectivity or waiting for server approval highlight characteristics of centralized systems, where many operations depend on access to a remote repository. Limiting branch creation to a centralized server further illustrates the constraints of centralized models, which can hinder the rapid and experimental nature of development inherent in distributed systems. Thus, the ability to operate independently is a significant speed advantage of distributed version control.