Introduction to Version Control Systems (VCS)

• A Version Control System (VCS) is a tool that helps track changes to files and manage project updates efficiently.
• It is widely used in software development to ensure smooth collaboration and version tracking.

Benifits of Version Control Systems (VCS)

• Version control helps manage changes to source code, documents, or projects efficiently.
• It is used to :-
  • Track and save changes to files over time.
  • Help multiple developers work on the same project without conflicts.
  • Allow rolling back to previous versions if needed.
  • Prevent accidental loss of important code.
  • Improve collaboration and code review processes.

Types of Version Control Systems (VCS)

• Version Control Systems are classified into three main types based on how they store and manage changes:
  1. Local Version Control System (LVCS)
  2. Centralized Version Control System (CVCS)
  3. Distributed Version Control System (DVCS)

1. Local Version Control System (LVCS)

• A simple system where all file versions are stored on a single computer.
  • Uses local directories and backups to track changes.
  • No network access is required.
  • Simple but prone to data loss.
  • Hard to collaborate with multiple developers.
  • Example:
    • Manual file backups
    • RCS (Revision Control System)

2. Centralized Version Control System (CVCS)

• A single server stores all files, and multiple users access it.
  • Requires an internet connection to access the repository.
  • Provides a single source of truth for teams.
  • Risk of losing all data if the server crashes.
  • Slower than distributed systems.
  • Example:
    • SVN (Subversion)
    • Perforce

3. Distributed Version Control System (DVCS)

• Each user has a full copy of the repository on their computer.
  • Works both online and offline.
  • Every user has a backup of the repository
  • Faster than centralized systems.
  • Reduces risk of data loss if the server fails.
  • Example:
    • Git
    • Mercurial