Fossil is an open source distributed version control system, bug tracking system and wiki software server for use in software development. Fossil does not require a central server to function. Content is stored using a SQLite database.
Fossil is used for version control by the SQLite project, which is itself a component of Fossil. Fossil is a single self-contained program written in the C programming language.
Being distributed, Fossil requires no central server.
Key Features
- Robust and lightweight in operation.
- Built-in and intuitive web interface reducing project tracking complexity.
- Uses ordinary HTTP (or HTTPS or SSH) for network communications, so it works fine from behind restrictive firewalls.
- CGI/SCGI Enabled. This feature allows Fossil to be seamlessly integrated into a larger website.
- Supports “autosync” mode which helps to keep projects moving forward by reducing the amount of needless forking and merging.
- Content is stored using an enduring file format in an SQLite database so that transactions are atomic.
- Bug Tracking.
- Ticketing.
- Web-based graphical user interface.
- Autosync mode to remove the need to fork and merge. Autosync mode is reminiscent of CVS or SVN in that it automatically keeps your changes in synchronization with your co-workers through the use of a central server.
- Simple HTTP with proxy support for network communications.
- CGI enabled.
- Immutable artefacts.
- Works with repository files (a database with the project’s complete history) and with checked-out local trees.
- Supports embedded documentation.
- Built-in wiki.
- News/Blog.
- Simple, well-defined, enduring file format.
- Single self-contained stand-alone executable.
- Automatic replication and backup.
- URL Aliases. URL Aliases allow an administrator to define their own URLs on the web interface that are rewritten to built-in URLs with specific parameters.
Website: www.fossil-scm.org
Support: FAQ, Quick Start Guide, Mailing List
Developer: D. Richard Hipp
License: 2-clause BSD license

Fossil is written in C. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
| Issue Tracking Systems | |
|---|---|
| Zammad | Web based open source helpdesk/customer support system |
| Request Tracker | Mature enterprise-grade issue tracking system |
| MantisBT | Issue tracker implemented in PHP and using MySQL as a database |
| osTicket | Customer support ticket system |
| Bugzilla | Bug Tracking System available through a web interface |
| Roundup | Simple-to-use and install issue-tracking system |
| Fossil | Distributed version control system, bug tracking system and wiki server |
| Trac | Issue tracker implemented in PHP and using MySQL as a database |
| Redmine | Flexible project management web application |
| Flyspray | Simple, web-based bug tracking system written in PHP |
| Znuny | Fork of OTRS |
| Eventum | User friendly and flexible issue tracking system |
| FlowInquiry | Manage tickets, workflows and SLA tracking |
| Pachno | Friendly issue tracking |
| OpenSupports | Simple ticketing system |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
| Revision Control Tools | |
|---|---|
| Git | Used in high profile open source projects, most notably the Linux kernel |
| Jujutsu | Powerful version control system for software projects |
| Mercurial | Fast, lightweight Source Control Management system |
| Subversion | General system that can be used to manage any collection of files |
| Darcs | An advanced revision control system |
| Fossil | Distributed version control system |
| dat | Distributed data community for the next generation Web |
| Sapling | Scalable, user-friendly source control system |
| Pijul | Sound and fast distributed version control system |
| CVS | Concurrent Versions System |
| Breezy | Decentralized revision control system supporting Bazaar and Git formats |
| Monotone | Especially strong in its support of a diverge/merge workflow |
| Game of Trees | Prioritizes ease of use and simplicity over flexibility |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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