What is Version Control Systems - Types | Tools | Examples

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Version control remembers every single change made, by whom, and lets you easily go back to any time. Moreover, this is also known as source control or revision control. This way, you and others can collaborate smoothly without losing track of your progress. The following article will elaborate on the version control systems in detail. 

Version Control Systems Meaning

Version control has a unique box that keeps track of every software code, who added it, and when. If someone accidentally puts the wrong piece in, you can easily rewind and see how the code looked before. This makes working together on the software code much smoother and avoids frustrating mistakes.
 

This is exactly what version control does for software developers. It tracks changes made to code over time, so teams can see who did what and easily go back to previous versions if needed. However, this saves them time and headaches, especially when fixing bugs or collaborating on large projects.

Types of Version Control Systems

Keeping track of changes can get messy! Version control for code manages different versions. There are three main types:
 

• Local Version Control: This keeps track of changes in a code. It works for small projects but isn't ideal for teams.
• Centralized Version Control: A central library has all the code versions. Everyone checks out copies to work on, then returns them with their changes. As a result, this is good for some teams, but if the library goes down, everyone is stuck.
• Distributed Version Control: This is the most powerful option. Each team member has a complete copy of the codebase, like having their library. They can work on changes independently, and then share them easily. Moreover, this is perfect for avoiding single points of failure and keeping everyone in sync.

Here's the essential difference:
 

• Centralized: You "commit" your changes to the central library, and others "update" to see them.
• Distributed: You "commit" changes to your copy, "push" them to a central location for sharing, others "pull" them down, and then "update.”

Popular Distributed Version Control Systems (DVCS) include Git and Mercurial.

Version Control Tools List

Choosing the right version control software can feel overwhelming. Don't worry! we've got you covered! Here's a list of the top ten version control software to make managing your code a breeze:
 

• GitHub:  It’s a central hub for your code, where you can see all the changes ever made, rewind time to fix mistakes, and share work with teammates. In addition, it's easy to learn and popular.
   
• GitLab: GitLab lets you manage your code, build it automatically, and see everything about your project in one place. Additionally, it is perfect for complex projects.
   
• Beanstalk:  Beanstalk is a cloud-based tool that lets you code, share, and fix code from anywhere with a web browser.
   
• PerForce:  Security is a top priority for PerForce. It keeps your code safe and lets your team work together seamlessly, whether you're all in one place or scattered around the world.
   
• Apache Subversion: A free and reliable option, Subversion is a good choice for both small teams and large companies. Moreover, it lets you track changes, control access, and keep things organized.
   
• AWS CodeCommit: Perfect for Amazon Web Services users, CodeCommit is a secure version control system built correctly into the AWS cloud.
   
• Microsoft Team Foundation Server: This enterprise-grade tool is a powerhouse for managing code and other project files.
   
• Mercurial: Mercurial is a free, distributed version control system with a user-friendly interface. In addition, it's popular with developers who use its backup system.
   
• CVS Version Control:  A veteran of the version control world, CVS is a mature system that lets you work on different parts of a project simultaneously and then merge your changes back.
   
• Bitbucket: Bitbucket integrates with services like Jira and Bamboo. Moreover, it's free for small teams and offers features like code branching, discussions, and code review.
   

Which is an Example of a Version Control Systems?

Version control systems (VCS), also called source code management (SCM) or revision control systems (RCS), are the best for your code. Moreover, they track changes, help teams collaborate, and even let you rewind time to fix mistakes. One popular option is Git, a free and open-source tool that makes managing code simple and is one of the version control examples.

Version Control System Advantage

Have you ever worked on a project with a friend, only to accidentally overwrite each other's changes? Version control systems have some amazing abilities:
 

• Every change, ever made, by everyone on the team. It's all saved, with a timestamp and even a note explaining why! As a result, this lets you rewind time if something goes wrong, or fix issues in older versions of your software.
• Version control lets your team work on separate "branches" of the code, and then merge them back together seamlessly. However, it is perfect for adding new features or fixing bugs without stepping on.
• Have you ever wondered why a certain piece of code works the way it does? Version control systems track who changed it and why, making it easier to understand even the trickiest parts. 

Using version control isn't just a good idea, it's essential for any professional software development team. It becomes easier to collaborate, solve problems, and understand its functioning. Moreover, you can choose a version control system to make your team unstoppable.

Our Learner Also Read: What is Control Unit in CPU - Definition | Types | Architecture
 

Concluding Words

Version control systems (VCS) are the proper systems for your projects. In addition, it assists you in tracking changes, letting you collaborate safely, and even allowing you to turn back time to fix mistakes. Whether you're a small team or a large company, there's a VCS out there to supercharge your workflow and keep your code healthy.