Version control systems in software development primarily serve to manage changes to source code. They facilitate collaboration among multiple developers, allowing teams to work on different features or fixes simultaneously. With version control, developers can track modifications, revert to previous versions, and resolve conflicts when merging changes. This system enhances productivity, improves project organization, and maintains a complete history of the codebase. By ensuring that all team members are synchronized, version control significantly reduces the likelihood of errors and facilitates more efficient software development practices.