Version Control

Version Control is a system that allows you to revisit various versions of a file or set of files by recording changes. Through version control,one can revert a file or project to a previous version, track modifications and modifying individuals, and compare changes. By utilizing a Version Control System (VCS), mistakes with files can easily be rectified.

Local Version Control

Many years ago, programmers created Local Version Control systems. A Local VCS entails one database on your hard disk that stores changes to files.

# Centralized Version Control

The need for collaboration within a developer team on a single file or set of files led to the advent of the Centralized Version Control System (CVCS). This system entails a single server storing all changes and file versions, which can be accessed by various clients. This streamlined the collaboration process (by eliminating the need to involve all local databases), allowed programmers to have more knowledge of team members’ activities with certain files, and gave administrators much more control over divvying up revision privileges.