Version Control Systems: Centralized (CVS, SVN) vs. Distributed (Git)

Version control systems help developers track changes in code, collaborate with others, and manage different versions of a project. There are two main types of version control: Centralized and Distributed. Let's explore the differences between these and why Git has become so popular.

Centralized Version Control (CVS, SVN)

In a centralized version control system, like CVS (Concurrent Versions System) or SVN (Subversion):

• There is a single central server that stores the entire project.

• Developers check out the latest version of the project from the server, make changes, and then commit those changes back to the server.

• Only the server holds the full history of the project, and you need internet access to interact with the central repository.

Advantages of Centralized Systems:

• Easy to set up and manage.

• Ideal for small teams with a simple workflow.

• Everyone is working on the same copy of the project, which ensures consistency.

Disadvantages:

• If the central server goes down, no one can collaborate or access the project history.

• You need to be online to make commits and see the latest version.

Distributed Version Control (Git)

Git, on the other hand, is a distributed version control system (DVCS):

• Every developer has a complete copy of the entire project history on their local machine.

• You can work offline, make changes, and commit them locally. When you’re ready, you can push your changes to a remote server (like GitHub) or share them with others.

• Git allows for branching and merging workflows, making it easier for teams to work on separate features or bug fixes at the same time.

Advantages of Git:

• No single point of failure: Since everyone has a full copy, you don’t rely on a central server.

• You can work offline and commit changes locally.

• It’s easier to experiment with new features using branches without affecting the main project.

• It handles large teams and complex workflows more efficiently.

Disadvantages:

• The learning curve can be steeper compared to centralized systems.

• Distributed systems might be more complex for smaller teams or simpler projects.

Key Differences Between Centralized and Distributed VCS

Conclusion

While centralized systems like CVS and SVN are simpler to set up and use for smaller projects, Git’s distributed nature offers more flexibility, reliability, and power for modern development workflows. That’s why Git has become the go-to choice for developers worldwide.