Revision Control

CVS – Concurrent Versions System

CVS is a version control system, which allows you to keep old versions of files (usually source code), keep a log of who, when, and why changes occurred, etc., like RCS or SCCS. Unlike the simpler systems, CVS does not just operate on one file at a time or one directory at a time, but operates on hierarchical collections of directories consisting of version controlled files.

CVS helps to manage releases and to control the concurrent editing of source files among multiple authors. CVS allows triggers to enable/log/control various operations and works well over a wide area network.

CVS is a production quality system in wide use around the world, including many free software projects.

Key Features

  • Client-server architecture.
  • Handles multiple developers.
  • Handles multiple directories.
  • Triggers to enable/log/control various operations.
  • Maintain different branches of a project.
  • Uses delta compression for efficient storage.

Website: www.nongnu.org/cvs
Support: Mailing Lists
Developer: The CVS Team
License: GNU General Public License

CVS is written in C. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials.


Related Software

Revision Control Tools
GitUsed in high profile open source projects, most notably the Linux kernel
JujutsuPowerful version control system for software projects
MercurialFast, lightweight Source Control Management system
SubversionGeneral system that can be used to manage any collection of files
DarcsAn advanced revision control system
FossilDistributed version control system
datDistributed data community for the next generation Web
SaplingScalable, user-friendly source control system
PijulSound and fast distributed version control system
CVSConcurrent Versions System
BreezyDecentralized revision control system supporting Bazaar and Git formats
MonotoneEspecially strong in its support of a diverge/merge workflow
Game of TreesPrioritizes ease of use and simplicity over flexibility

Read our verdict in the software roundup.


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