Version Control

Revision Control, Source Control

Definition
Storing all revisions of a piece of software, along with the connections between each revision and its predecessor
Version Control

How does it work?

Specialized software (version control systems) allows you to create a new revision easily. It will also guide you through previous versions, show differences, and revert to a previous version.

Version control systems also allow you to work on an alternative version of the software: a branch. In this branch you can develop new features that are not yet complete. When the branch is complete, it can be merged into the main branch.

Examples

  • Git
  • SVN

When should you use it?

  • Always. Even for the tiniest project does it help to view the changes you made and to undo all of them at once.

Links