Side question: Why do people buy baguettes? Do they make sandwiches with them? How do you even make a sandwich from them? How are you meant to beat a baguette???

Side question: Why do people buy baguettes? Do they make sandwiches with them? How do you even make a sandwich from them? How are you meant to beat a baguette???

Why are they different shapes?
Sliced bread is made in loaf pans
Sourdough is made on a flat tray in the shape of a ball so it spreads out a bit.
Baguettes are made by a long strand of dough.
Bonus answer: the reason why sourdough and the baguette have the textured crust is due to the dough being sliced with a knife prior to baking.