BitKeeper

BitKeeper

BitKeeper is a distributed revision control system used for source code management. It allows developers to work on local copies of a codebase and merge changes between distributed repositories.
Development Version Control Systems
BitKeeper image
distributed revision-control source-code-management
BitKeeper alternatives ➤

BitKeeper: Distributed Revision Control

A powerful source code management system allowing developers to work on local copies of a codebase and merge changes between distributed repositories.

What is BitKeeper?

BitKeeper is a proprietary distributed revision control system originally developed by Larry McVoy in 2002. It was created as an alternative to existing systems like CVS and Subversion which relied on a centralized server to store all code revisions.

Some key features of BitKeeper include:

  • Distributed architecture - allows developers to have local working copies on their own machines and exchange changes through push/pull operations between repositories.
  • Efficient branching and merging - makes it easy to create experimental branches and later reconcile them with the main codebase.
  • Atomic commits - ensures related changes are committed together in a transactional manner.
  • Cryptographic signatures - used to verify the integrity and origin of code changes.
  • Web-based interface for code reviews and project management.

BitKeeper was the initial tool used to manage Linux kernel development in 2002 but was later replaced by Git in 2005 due to licensing disagreements. At its peak, it was used by major companies like Oracle and Google for projects like OpenSolaris and Google Code before migrating to other alternatives.

While not as popular today, BitKeeper pioneered concepts like distributed version control that influenced later systems such as Git and Mercurial.

BitKeeper Features

Features

  1. Distributed version control
  2. Allows developers to work independently on local copies of the code
  3. Supports branching and merging
  4. Access control and permissions
  5. Web-based interface

Pricing

  • Free
  • One-time Purchase
  • Subscription-Based

Pros

Distributed model allows working offline

Fast performance

Strong branching and merging capabilities

Fine-grained access controls

Integrates well with bug trackers and IDEs

Cons

Less popular than Git or SVN

Proprietary license for some features

Steeper learning curve than some systems

Limited third-party integration support

Official Links

Official Website
https://www.bitkeeper.org/

The Best BitKeeper Alternatives

Top Development and Version Control Systems and other similar apps like BitKeeper

Here are some alternatives to BitKeeper:

Mercurial SCM icon
Mercurial SCM
Darcs icon
darcs
Artefactual AtoM icon
Artefactual AtoM
Pijul icon
Pijul
Suggest an alternative ❐

Mercurial SCM icon

Mercurial SCM

Mercurial is a free, distributed source control management system designed for efficient and reliable control of source code and other revision-controlled assets. Key features of Mercurial include:Distributed peer-to-peer architecture, allowing decentralized and collaborative developmentRobust branching and merging capabilities to support complex workflowsSecure, encrypted repositories with integrated access controlPowerful integrations with...
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Darcs icon

Darcs

darcs is an advanced distributed revision control system that differs fundamentally from systems like Git and Mercurial in its underlying theory. While darcs shares common functionality with other version control tools like committing and branching/merging changes, it is built on a unique algebra of patches and provides innovative features like...
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Artefactual AtoM icon

Artefactual AtoM

Artefactual AtoM is an open source web-based application for standards-based archival description and access. It allows archivists, librarians, and researchers to publish and share archival descriptions of physical and digital objects, making collections accessible online.Key features of AtoM include:Browser-based access, allowing users to contribute descriptions and content from anywhereSupport for...
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Pijul icon

Pijul

Pijul is an open-source distributed version control system that offers an alternative approach to software like Git. Instead of Git's content-addressable storage model, Pijul is built on a theory of patches and solvers developed specifically for version control.The key difference with Pijul is in its merge capabilities. In systems like...
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