Version control system

From GT RoboJackets

What is version control?

Version control is a method of storing and backing up files that remembers the previous changes. Version control also allows the recovery of a different version of the code if needed. If some part of the code has been deleted but is later deemed necessary, it can easily be pulled in from a previous version. Often, the servers hosting the code are backed up, ensuring that your code remains safe.

Alternatives to version control

Some alternatives to version control include emailing code back and forth or just hosting it on a network accessible drive for group editing. A problem with the email alternative is that you have to keep track of the latest version of the code as well as knowing which version of the code is the most current. It is also hard to go back to an exact previous version because the code is never in one place. The network access drive's main problem is concurrent editing and reverting. If one person is editing a file, no one else can make changes without causing problems. Also, going back to a previous version will be near impossible without constantly backing up the files to a safe location.