Subversion (SVN)
Subversion (SVN) is a centralized version control system that helps manage code changes efficiently. Learn how to use SVN for collaborative software development.
Subversion (SVN)
Subversion, also known as SVN, is a version control system that is used to manage changes to a project's files and directories over time. It allows multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously, keeping track of any changes made and allowing users to revert back to previous versions if needed. SVN is commonly used in software development to track changes in source code, but it can also be used for managing any type of file or project.
Key Features of Subversion:
- Version Control: SVN keeps track of changes made to files and directories over time, allowing users to revert back to previous versions if needed.
- Collaboration: Multiple users can work on the same project simultaneously, with SVN managing conflicts and merging changes made by different users.
- Branching and Merging: SVN allows users to create branches to work on separate features or fixes, and then merge those changes back into the main project.
- History Tracking: SVN maintains a complete history of all changes made to a project, including who made the changes and when they were made.
- Access Control: SVN allows administrators to set permissions for users, controlling who can view, edit, and commit changes to the project.
Basic Concepts of Subversion:
Subversion operates on the following basic concepts:
- Repository: The central database that stores all the files and directories of a project, along with their complete history of changes.
- Working Copy: A local copy of the project's files and directories that users can edit and modify. Changes made in the working copy can be committed back to the repository.
- Commit: The action of saving changes made in the working copy back to the repository, creating a new version of the project.
- Update: The action of bringing changes made by other users in the repository into your working copy, ensuring that you have the latest version of the project.
- Conflict: A situation where two users have made conflicting changes to the same file or directory, requiring manual resolution before the changes can be committed.
Common SVN Commands:
Here are some common SVN commands that are used to work with a Subversion repository:
- svn checkout: Creates a new working copy of a project from the repository.
- svn add: Adds new files or directories to the working copy, marking them for inclusion in the next commit.
- svn commit: Saves changes made in the working copy back to the repository, creating a new version of the project.
- svn update: Brings changes made by other users in the repository into the working copy, ensuring that you have the latest version of the project.
- svn merge: Combines changes made in one branch of the project with another branch, allowing users to merge separate lines of development.
- svn log: Displays a history of changes made to the project, including who made the changes and when they were made.
Advantages of Subversion:
Subversion offers several advantages for managing project files and collaborating with other users:
- History Tracking: SVN maintains a complete history of changes made to a project, allowing users to track the evolution of the project over time.
- Collaboration: Multiple users can work on the same project simultaneously, with SVN managing conflicts and ensuring that changes are merged successfully.
- Backup and Recovery: By storing project files in a central repository, SVN provides a backup of all project data and allows users to revert back to previous versions if needed.
- Branching and Merging: SVN allows users to create separate branches to work on different features or fixes, and then merge those changes back into the main project seamlessly.
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