Version control is the practice of managing changes to files over time. It keeps records of what changed, who changed it, and when it changed. Most often, version control is used for source code, but it works for any digital content, including documents, configuration files, and images.
Version control allows teams and individuals to collaborate without overwriting each other’s work. It also provides a way to undo mistakes, compare changes, and trace the history of a project. Without version control, managing edits and tracking file states becomes messy and prone to error.
There are two main types of version control systems. The older model is centralized. The newer and more widely used model is distributed. Both serve the same purpose but differ in how they store and share data.
Before formal tools existed, version control was manual. Developers made copies of files and labeled them with names like main_v1, main_v2_final, or final_final_edit. This often led to confusion, lost data, and hard-to-resolve errors.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the first version control tools appeared.
One of the earliest was:
Later came:
However, both SCCS and RCS had a major limitation: they only handled one file at a time. As projects grew, this became unmanageable.
To support multi-file collaboration, CVS (Concurrent Versions System) was released in the late 1980s. It introduced:
But CVS had critical flaws:
In 2000, Subversion (SVN) was created as a modern replacement. It added:
SVN saw broad adoption, especially in corporate environments, and remained a dominant tool for years.
By the mid-2000s, the industry began shifting toward distributed version control. Tools like:
offered decentralized workflows and greater flexibility, setting the stage for the modern era of version control.
Version control systems fall into two categories. Centralized and distributed.
In a centralized model, there is one main server that holds the full history. Users connect to this server to get files and commit changes. Examples include CVS and SVN.
In this model:
This setup is simple. Everyone works on the same version and shares changes in real time. But it creates problems when the server goes down or users lose internet access.
Centralized systems give clear control. Admins can manage access and apply rules. But this model has limits when teams are large or spread across locations.
In a distributed model, each user has a full copy of the repository. This includes the entire history, not just the latest version. Users work locally and then sync with others.
Git is the most widely used distributed system. Mercurial is another example.
In this model:
This setup improves speed, allows flexible workflows, and avoids single points of failure. Users can work anywhere and commit as often as they like. Later, they can share their work with others or a central server.
This model is more complex, but it scales well. It supports parallel development, feature branching, and custom workflows.
No matter the type, version control systems share a core set of features. These tools make them useful for managing change in any project.
Many version control tools have been used over time. Some are now outdated. Others are still active.
Common version control tools include:
Each tool has its own commands, workflows, and storage models. Git is now the most widely used version control system in the world.
Version control has become a basic part of software development and digital collaboration. Its advantages are clear.
Though version control began with source code, it now applies to many types of files.
Writers, designers, and researchers use version control to track documents, images, and data sets. Configuration files and infrastructure scripts are stored in version control for safety and clarity.
Many content management systems use version control principles. Websites like Wikipedia keep a history of edits. Some cloud services offer basic versioning for documents.
Version control systems like Git and SVN are essential for tracking and managing code changes in web development. They enable collaboration and maintain a history of modifications, ensuring organized and error-free updates.
NTC Hosting supports Git and SVN across all its services that use the Hepsia Control Panel - cloud hosting, VPS, semi-dedicated servers, and dedicated servers. This allows developers to manage code, configurations, and deployments efficiently. Developers can push changes, test updates, and deploy confidently.
In larger setups, NTC Hosting integrates these tools with continuous integration and deployment systems, automating the movement of approved code into production. This highlights NTC Hosting's commitment to providing robust hosting solutions for modern web development.