CVS (Concurrent Versions System)
CVS is a version control software that allows multiple developers to collaborate on the same codebase. It tracks revisions to files and enables merging changes from multiple authors. CVS works by having a central repository that stores the latest version of code.
collaboration
versioning
source-code-management
CVS: Version Control Software
Concurrent Versions System (CVS) allows multiple developers to collaborate on shared codebases, tracking revisions and enabling merging changes from multiple authors through a central repository storing the latest version of code.
What is CVS (Concurrent Versions System)?
CVS (Concurrent Versions System) is one of the earliest open source version control systems. It allows multiple developers to work on the same codebase concurrently by maintaining a central repository that stores the latest revision of the files. Developers "check out" copies of the files, work on them independently, and "commit" their changes back to the repository.
Some key features of CVS include:
- Version tracking - CVS records all changes made to the code over time so you can reference or restore any previous deployed version
- Concurrent development - Developers can work in parallel on the same files without risk of overwriting each other's changes. CVS will merge code appropriately on commit.
- Code branching - You can create branches to isolate new development from finished work or to maintain separate streams of changes.
- Decentralized operation - Developers can commit changes regardless of network connectivity. The changes will sync with the central repository once connectivity is restored.
While very popular in the 1990s/2000s, CVS has since been superseded by more modern and flexible version control systems like Git and SVN. But it still remains in use at some large organizations due to legacy deployments.
CVS (Concurrent Versions System) Features
Features
- Allows version control of source code
- Enables multiple developers to collaborate
- Tracks changes to files
- Stores revisions and enables merging of changes
- Maintains a central code repository
Pricing
- Open Source
- Free
Pros
Free and open source
Easy to learn and use
Integrates with IDEs and build tools
Wide platform support
Decentralized model avoids single point of failure
Cons
Only handles text files, not binaries
No atomic commits
No branching capabilities
Does not handle rename/move operations well
Lacks some features of newer systems like Git
Official Links
The Best CVS (Concurrent Versions System) Alternatives
Top Development and Version Control and other similar apps like CVS (Concurrent Versions System)
Here are some alternatives to CVS (Concurrent Versions System):
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Darcs
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Rational ClearCase
Rational ClearCase is a revision control and software configuration management tool originally developed by Atria Software and acquired by Rational Software, which was later acquired by IBM. ClearCase provides version control for source code and other software development assets.Some key features of ClearCase include:Allows parallel development - multiple developers can...
MKS Source
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Accurev
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SpectrumSCM
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Pijul
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