Version control

Version control is the practice of managing and tracking changes to source code, files, or other collections of information. It is used mainly for coordinating work among multiple individuals or groups on a project, but it can also be employed as a useful backup plan. Version control systems (VCS) allow for multiple revisions to be stored and managed. By tracking changes, users can also move back and forth between different versions as needed.

A version control system is a set of tools and rules that allow multiple people or teams to work together by tracking changes over time. Many version control systems are distributed, meaning that a user can manage a repository of files on their local device and periodically synchronize with a remote server. These distributed systems make version control exceptionally helpful for large projects that involve multiple teams working across different geographies.

Common version control systems include Subversion, Git, Mercurial, and Bazaar. Each system can store files and records of changes in a repository, allowing the project manager or team member to review different versions as needed. In addition, certain revision software also allows users to easily check out specific versions or revert to a previous version.

In addition to the major version control systems, modern developers also use tools such as Docker and Kubernetes to automate version control and deployment processes. By automating these processes, developers can keep track of changes, have an automated way to make changes, and manage multiple sets of configurations and software versions for the same project.

From small teams to large enterprises, version control is a fundamental concept for managing software development. Version control systems enable the efficient collaboration of entire teams, while also offering the ability to move backwards and forwards in terms of changes, for those occasions when the need arises.