Final answer:
The element that helps in tracking changes but is not required while working with Copado is a Git repository. Git repositories are used for version control and collaboration but are not required for Copado's core functionality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The element that helps you track changes but is not required to work with Copado is a Git repository. Copado is a DevOps platform for Salesforce that helps in streamlining the release process. Among the options provided:
- a User Story record is a way to describe a software feature from an end-user perspective and is used within Copado to track the progress of these features,
- a Promotion record is used to promote metadata between environments in Copado,
- a Deployment record keeps track of the deployment status and details,
- a Git repository, however, is not a requirement for Copado although it can be integrated for version control and tracking changes in the development lifecycle.
A Git repository is external to the Copado platform and while it enhances traceability of code changes and collaboration, it is not mandated by Copado for its core functionality.