Introduction to Subversion

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Introduction to Subversion
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What is subversion?

• An open source version control software - funded
  by CollabNet.
• It tracks changes in any type of file, not just
  source code.
• It particular helps developers to track changes
  in their project source files.
• Help programmers to manage the changes to their
  software when checking or debugging.
• It prevents programmers, working on the same
  files, from overwriting each others software
  concurrent development.
• Designed to replace the CVS (Concurrent Versions
  System).
• CVS was the open source de facto standard on
  Unix/Linux/BSD

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What is source control?

• A central place to store your source code
• Records a history of code changes
• Facilitates collaboration among development team
  members
• Easy to check out prior code, undo changes,
  version product

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What Version Control software are available?

• For Open Source
• Concurrent Versions System (CVS) Originally
  built on the Revision Control System.
• CVSNT - A cross-platform port of CVS that allows
  case insensitive file names among other changes.
• OpenCVS - Compatible with CVS, with emphasis put
  on security and source code correctness.
• Subversion An open source version control tool
  started in 2000 to be "a compelling replacement
  for CVS
• Vesta A build system with a versioning file
  system and support for distributed repositories.
  Used at Intel for microprocessor design.

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What Version Control software are available?

• For Proprietary
• AccuRev A fast and easy-to-use SCM tool with
  integrated issue tracking based on "Streams" that
  efficiently manages parallel and global
  development. A replication server is also
  available.
• AllFusion Harvest Change Manager Commercial
  change and configuration management tool from
  Computer Associates
• IBM Rational ClearCase Market leading
  configuration management system from IBM Rational
  Software
• CollabNet Subversion Subversion binaries
  compiled, certified and supported by CollabNet,
  initiator of the Subversion open source project.
• Visual SourceSafe, Microsoft A version control
  tool provided by Microsoft oriented toward small
  teams.
• Visual Studio Team System, Microsoft a
  process-based client-server suite of tools for
  larger development organizations, incorporating
  work item tracking, reporting, build automation,
  unit and web testing, and integration with
  Microsoft Office
• .more

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How Source Control works?
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Advantages of using version control software

• Allows many iterations in software development.
• Allows concurrent development on the same
  project. Development frequently occurs in teams,
  often in geographically distinct locations.
• Time and efforts are not wasted by having your
  work overwritten and lost.
• No need to wait for other people to finish their
  edits on a file before you can access it.
• Able to track the changes made to a file, who
  made them and when.
• Able to retrieve an older version of a file if
  needed

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Disadvantages of using version control software

• Use more disk space i.e. local control files
  require disk space
• Restrict the control of files and directories
  i.e. must move and rename files through the tools
• More user maintenance time i.e. users must be
  diligent in checking in and out files

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Copy-Modify-Merge model
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Copy-Modify-Merge model
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How the Subversion repository works?
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Working copy

• Your own private working area.
• It contains a COPY of those files which you are
  developing.
• You can edit these files however you wish, in the
  usual way.
• Subversion provides you with commands to
  "publish" your changes to the other people
  working with you on your project. i.e. commit
• A working copy also contains an extra folder the
  .svn directory. This is created and maintained
  by Subversion, to help it carry out these
  commands. You should never need to access this
  area, but you should NEVER delete it either.

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Options for Subversion Client

• Command line i.e. text commands, scriptable
• Graphical e.g. TortoiseSVN
• IDE Integration
• Browser-based viewers

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TortoiseSVN

• A free open-source GUI client for the Subversion
  version control system
• It accesses to the files that are stored in a
  central repository loacted in the Subversion
  server.
• It integrates into the Windows Explorer.

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TortoiseSVN
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Repository URLs
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TortoiseSVN Menu
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Symbols used in TortoiseSVN
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Basic Work Cycle in Commands

• Update your working copy
• svn update
• Make changes
• svn add
• svn delete
• svn copy
• svn move
• Examine your changes
• svn status
• svn diff
• svn revert
• Merge others' changes
• svn merge
• svn resolved
• Commit your changes
• svn commit

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FAQ on Subversion

• Read Introduction to Subversion notes pg. 12
  pg. 15