For our engineers, team coordination becomes easier if they utilise software platforms. These platforms are necessary as they simplify the workload and help our developers meet deadlines for software delivery. A delay in software development could adversely impact our business, so as a solution, we utilise version control.
What does “version control” actually mean?
A Version Control System (VCS) is software that enables software development teams to handle and monitor changes made to their code. For instance, if there are 20 developers working on a large software project, a VCS would help them monitor modifications made to the same Java project daily.
Tracking the timing of modifications and ensuring its accuracy would be a daunting task without a version control system. Additionally, integration of changes from multiple developers, checking out code without a chance of another developer overwriting ongoing work and undoing changes would all pose significant challenges. Check this to know more.
The use of version control systems has become essential in today’s software development environment. It is a valuable tool for software engineers, helping them improve their work efficiency, independent of the programming language they are using, whether it be JavaScript, Ruby, Python, .NET, or even while creating an internal customer relationship management system. It is evident that the current state of software development would be severely impacted without version control systems.
Now, let’s explore the numerous version control options readily available to your engineers.
Git
Among version control systems, Git stands out as the most popularly utilised system today. It’s a trusted choice for developers, with its wide range of features, reliable workflow and compatibility with numerous third-party systems.
Git’s versatility to switch between various operating systems and repository systems makes it incredibly beneficial. You could choose to store a repository on your computer, network, or a server hosted by a third-party provider (i.e., GitHub). Some of Git’s unique features include:
- Support for non-linear development
- Compatible with popular Internet protocols such as HTTP, FTP, and SSH
- Flexible enough to handle tasks of all sizes, big or small
- Allows forking
- In simplest terms, it’s fast and lightweight.
- History of modifications can be viewed
- Issue tracking capabilities
- Email notifications
- Tools for Seamlessly Merging Changes
- Module-based architecture
- Repetitive explicit object packaging
- Unless removed, trash accumulates.
- Other GUI-based tools (like GitKraken)
Git is an easy-to-use command-line tool, allowing engineers to quickly become familiar with it. No matter the size of the company or the number of engineers using Git, it can be used for free, making it an excellent option for businesses.
Subversion (also known as svn) from the Apache Software Foundation
Apache Subversion is an on-site version control system that enables users to track all changes made to a project since its inception. SVN offers a variety of useful features that are sure to appeal to developers.
- Conflict Resolution
- Quick Reversals
- Tracking of Project-Level Revisions and Regressions
- Easily manage and track file revisions
- Compatibility with Third-Party Programs
- Substantial Body of Evidence
- Contributes to the DevOps Toolchain
- Superb Stability
- Quick and Easy Server Management
- An Efficient Repository Search Engine
- Alternative GUI tools (such as Tortoise SVN)
SVN is a well-established version control system that remains popular even though it is one of the older options. Although some companies may not prefer legacy systems, SVN can still be efficiently utilized through integration with GitHub via the HTTPS protocol, allowing for better collaboration between in-house and outsourced teams.
Apache Subversion is a free and open-source tool, meaning the number of developers on your team won’t impact your budget.
Mercurial
Mercurial is a free, cross-platform, decentralized and user-friendly open-source version control system. However, Mercurial might not be suitable for some organizations as plugins for it must be developed using Python or any compatible language.
Mercurial comes with the following features:
- Outstanding Performance and Scalability
- Capability to Fork and Merge into Complex Structures
- In a fully Decentralized Environment
- Lightweight and Easy to Transport
- It Doesn’t Take Long to Learn
- User-Friendly Command-line Interface
- Facilitates the usage of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) like Sourcetree
- Supported by Major Market Players
The idea that version history is enduring and sacred lies at the core of Mercurial’s philosophy. As a result, Mercurial provides a rollback command that enables you to undo the most recent pull or commit without disrupting the version history. This feature is not available in Git, which offers access to the entire project history. Therefore, if your project’s past is important to you, Mercurial could be the ideal version control system.
Crucial Helix Core Reinforcement
Helix Core version control is the sole paid option among these. Nonetheless, it could be the best possible alternative for enterprises that develop large-scale projects.
However, Git and other technologies are equipped to handle large-scale projects as well. Notably, Git is the platform employed in the development of the Linux kernel. By acquiring a license, you can gain entry to Helix Core and access enterprise-level support, which offers several advantages, including:
- Version Control Database and Centralized File Storage System
- Offers Comprehensive Support for All File Formats and Sizes
- The Sole Source of Truth
- Modular Support for Branching
- Compatible with DevOps Methodologies
- Inbuilt Version Comparison Tools
- Completely Compatible with Microsoft’s Visual Studio (via a Plug-in)
Helix Core’s ability to scale and handle vast amounts of data, large teams of engineers, and a high volume of commits makes it highly desirable for enterprises seeking expansion. It is already being implemented by nine of the world’s leading semiconductor corporations and 19 of the preeminent AAA game development studios, which serves as a testament to its effectiveness. Therefore, if your enterprise is preparing for rapid growth, Helix Core might be the perfect solution.
While you can take advantage of a free trial of Helix Core, once the trial period concludes, you will have to communicate with a Perforce sales representative to identify a plan that aligns with your business’s requirements.
Conclusion
Although numerous version management tools are accessible, if you opt for one from this selection, you can be confident that you have made the correct decision. It is critical to conduct research before finalizing the system, as modifying it later might be challenging.
