Why should I use version control?
I was reading a blog where the writer said this
"Code doesn’t exist unless it’s checked into a version control system. Use version control for everything you do. Any version control, SVN, Git, even CVS, master it and use it."
I have never used any sort of version control and I do not find it that great. I have googled it and looked at it before, but I just need it put into children's terms if you will please.
As I understand it right now, things like SVN are for storing your code online for a group of users or other developers to have access to the same code. Once you update some code, you can submit the new version and the SVN will keep copies of old code as well as the new ones you update.
Is this the basic idea of it or am I getting it completely wrong?
If I am right, then it might not be much use if I:
- Do not have other people working on the code.
- Do not plan on letting others have the code.
Answer
Have you ever:
- Made a change to code, realised it was a mistake and wanted to revert back?
- Lost code or had a backup that was too old?
- Had to maintain multiple versions of a product?
- Wanted to see the difference between two (or more) versions of your code?
- Wanted to prove that a particular change broke or fixed a piece of code?
- Wanted to review the history of some code?
- Wanted to submit a change to someone else's code?
- Wanted to share your code, or let other people work on your code?
- Wanted to see how much work is being done, and where, when and by whom?
- Wanted to experiment with a new feature without interfering with working code?
In these cases, and no doubt others, a version control system should make your life easier.
To misquote a friend: A civilised tool for a civilised age.