CVS (Concurrent Versions System), Git, and SVN (Subversion) are all version control systems, but they have some key differences in terms of their architecture, workflow, and features:
- Architecture:
- CVS is a centralized version control system, which means that there is a single central repository that stores the entire codebase and history.
- SVN is also a centralized version control system, which means that there is a single central repository that stores the entire codebase and history.
- Git is a distributed version control system, which means that each developer has a copy of the entire codebase and the entire history of the codebase on their local machine.
- Workflow:
- CVS uses a linear workflow, where all changes are made directly to the trunk (main branch) of the codebase.
- SVN uses a simpler linear workflow, where all changes are made directly to the trunk (main branch) of the codebase.
- Git uses a branching and merging workflow, which allows developers to work on multiple branches of code simultaneously and easily merge those changes back into the main branch.
- Offline working:
- CVS does not allow developers to work offline and commit the changes when internet connectivity is available.
- SVN is a centralized version control system, which means that developers need to have a connection to the central repository in order to commit changes.
- Git allows developers to work offline and commit the changes when internet connectivity is available.
- Speed:
- CVS is generally slower than Git and SVN, especially when working on large codebases or when dealing with many small files.
- SVN is generally slower than Git, especially when working on large codebases or when dealing with many small files.
- Git is generally faster than CVS and SVN, especially when working on large codebases or when dealing with many small files.
- Merging:
- CVS uses a simpler merging algorithm that can make it more difficult to resolve conflicts when multiple developers are working on the same codebase.
- SVN uses a simpler merging algorithm that can make it more difficult to resolve conflicts when multiple developers are working on the same codebase.
- Git uses a powerful merging algorithm that can handle complex merge scenarios, making it easier for multiple developers to work on the same codebase simultaneously.
- Community:
- CVS has a smaller community compared to Git and SVN.
- SVN has a smaller community compared to Git.
- Git has a large and active community, which means that there are many resources and support available.
In summary, Git, CVS and SVN are all version control systems, but Git’s distributed architecture, branching and merging workflow, offline working capability and powerful merging algorithm makes it more flexible and efficient for collaboration and management of codebase. CVS is outdated and has a smaller community compared to Git and SVN.
