Best Version Control Systems

What is a Version Control System?

A version control system (VCS) is software for managing changes to source code over time. It stores every change to the code in a special database. If a mistake is made, developers can go back in time and compare earlier versions of the code to help fix the problem while minimizing disruption to all team members.

Why Do You Need a Version Control System?

The version control system is required to document changes in software code in a structured manner. The system keeps track of all changes made to the files. This documentation is extremely important, especially when there is an error in the new code or the updated code does not work as expected.

In such a scenario, developers can go back and compare the last working code to the latest code to see where it went wrong, or they can simply undo the changes.

A version control system is also required to help developers and programmers collaborate on a project. The system will allow everyone on these teams to access and review the data at the same time through branching & merging functionalities.

The team members will be able to access and update the code from any location at any time. Besides that, version control tools enable software teams to maintain efficiency and agility as the team grows in size.

The software version control systems will keep track of all changes made to the files. Typically, the changes are identified by a number or letter code, such as "revision 1." Each revision term includes a timestamp, the purpose behind the changes, the name of the person who made the change, etc.

The developer or programming team can compare, restore, and merge revisions as and when needed. In a nutshell, a version control system allows developers to restore a database to a previous version in the event of an error or when new code does not work as expected.

For all of these reasons, you need software version control systems!

What are the Different Types of Version Control Tools?

There are two types of version control tools: centralized version control software and distributed version control software. Let's take a quick look at each one.

1. Centralized Version Control Tools

Centralized version control software is a type of VCS tool in which there is only one copy of your data on the server. In other words, centralized VCS systems use a single server to store all relevant data and files. This means that any changes made to the files will be reflected in the central copy.

One of the major limitations of the centralized model is that if two developers try to change the same file at the same time, they may end up overwriting each other's work if access is not managed. Some of the most popular centralized version control systems are Subversion (SVN) and Perforce.

2. Distributed Version Control Tools

Distributed version control Tools is a type of software that allows you to keep track of all the versions of files in a project. Unlike the centralized version control system, you do not need to rely on a central server. Rather, it allows you to locally clone a copy of a repository so that you can see the entire history of the project.

Moreover, DVCS uses a peer-to-peer approach rather than the client-server approach used by centralized systems. This means that any changes you make to the files will not coincide with or conflict with changes made by another developer. Git and Mercurial are two of the most popular distributed version control systems.

How to Choose the Best Version Control Software?

To find the best version control system, you must consider several factors, such as budget, security, collaboration, and others. Let's take a quick look at each of them.

1. Collaboration

The first thing to look for in version control software is how well it allows you to collaborate as a team and as individuals. Always go with a VCS tool that includes features like branching and merging. The advanced collaboration features will help you improve team agility, allowing you to accommodate new developers in the future easily.

2. Security

The next critical factor to consider when selecting the best version control system is security. For example, some developer teams require access down to the file level rather than just the repository or space. At the same time, there are developers teams who only need access to the repository. Choose the best version control software based on your needs.

3. File type

All version control tools are designed to handle various file types. For example, some version control platforms are better suited to handling large, binary files than others. So, if you are working on a project that requires a large number of binary files, you must pick version control software that is compatible with those files (e.g., graphic assets and text files).

Along with these three key factors, you should consider your team's expertise, budget, and other factors as well.

What are the Benefits of a Version Control System?

Version control software is a valuable asset to software development and DevOps teams. The three major benefits of version management tools are listed below.

1. Document Long-term History

The primary function of the version control system is to document every change made to the code by individuals over time. These modifications include the creation, editing, and deletion of files.

The software will save all versions along with all necessary information such as version name, author, date and time of change, and so on. This history documentation greatly aids in bug root cause analysis.

2. Branching & Merging

The next significant benefit of version management tools is branching and merging. Through 'branching,' the source control software allows multiple people to work on the same code at the same time.

The version control tools maintains multiple streams of work independent of one another through 'branching.' However, developers can merge all of the work back together. Besides that, they can also ensure that each branch does not conflict with one another.

3. Easy Traceability

Traceability refers to the ability to track each change made to the software and connect it to project management and bug-tracking software such as Jira. Developers can complete this task successfully with the help of a version control system.

Moreover, in the event of a software failure, they can annotate each change with its purpose during root cause analysis. This vital feature is especially useful when working with legacy code.

10 Best Version Control System

1. Top-Rated Version Control System for Your Project: Git

2. Best Version Control for System For Tracking Changes: Subversion

3. Best Version Control System for Small Use: Perforce Helix Core

4. Best Version Control System for Software Developers: Mercurial

5.  Leading Version Control System for Team Collaboration: Plastic SCM

6. Best Version Control System in India: Jira

7. Best Version Control System for Your Management Need: BackUp Xplorer

8. Best Version Control System for Your Digital Assets: LogicalDOC

9. Best Version Control System for Your Documents: FogBugz Dev Hub

10. Best Version Control System for Securing Changes: LuitBiz DMS

1. Git Distributed Version Control System

Git is one of the best version control systems for managing everything from small to large projects quickly and efficiently. This version control tool records changes to a file or set of files over time so that you can recall specific versions later.

Not to mention, the Git system is quite simple to use and includes a number of advanced features that ensure the agility and security of databases, files, and code.

Git Features:

• Branching & Merging

• Data assurance

• Frictionless context switching

• Role-based code lines

• Feature-based Workflow

Git Pricing:

Git is an open-source distributed version control system. This means you can use it for free.

2. Subversion Open Source Version Control System

Apache Subversion, also known as SVN, is a revision control software and code versioning system that allows software developers to maintain current and historical versions of files such as source code, web pages, and documentation.

Moreover, as a centralized system, SVN stores all files and historical data on a centralized server. Just like Git, Subversion (SVN) is also equipped with multiple features.

SVN Features:

• Atomic commits

• Complete revision history

• File locking

• Path-based authorization

• Language binding

SVN Pricing:

Subversion is an open-source version control system that is free to use.

3. Perforce Helix Core Version Control Software

Perforce is one of the best version control tools for tracking, managing, and securing changes to all of your digital assets, including large binary files. This version control tool also enables software developers to track revisions of assets such as source code, graphics, movies, audio, and digital design files. 

Moreover, using this VCS tool, developers can work on the same set of files without fear of duplicating effort or overwriting the work of other team members.

Perforce Features:

• Concurrent development

• Global collaboration

• Immutable history records

• Branching automation

• Artifact management

Perforce Pricing:

Perforce does not provide pricing information for the Helix Core product. To get a customized pricing plan, contact the Helix Core sales team. However, note that the product is free for up to 5 users and 20 workspaces.

4. Mercurial Revision Control Software

Mercurial is a distributed revision control software for software developers that allows them to manage both text and binary files. The tool supports advanced branching and merging, as well as an integrated web interface.

Besides that, users can easily migrate from other VCS systems to Mercurial. Notably, despite being a command-line program, Mercurial also supports graphical user interface extensions.

Mercurial Features:

• Handles projects of all size

• Easy to learn

• Robust file management

• Advanced branching & merging

• Integrated web-interface

Mercurial Pricing:

Mercurial is a free version control system.

5. Plastic SCM Version Control Software

Plastic SCM is a version control and source code management tool designed to improve team collaboration and engine scalability. The tool is primarily intended for small to medium-sized game studios. 

It provides optimized workflows for artists and programmers, as well as superior performance when working with large files and binaries. Furthermore, Plastic SCM can be integrated with various engines, integrations, and DevOps apps such as JIRA, TeamCity, Jenkins, and others.

Plastic SCM Features:

• Branching & Merging

• Fully distributed VCS

• Graphical UI & Visualization

• Fast repository storage

• Semantic version control

Plastic SCM Pricing:

Plastics SCM is available in three editions:

1. Free Cloud Edition: $0/Month, Up to three users

2. Cloud Edition: $7/User/Month

3. Enterprise Edition: $23/User/Month