Getting Started with Subversion

So, I downloaded Subversion (Svn), a version control system. I’ve played with CVS just a tiny bit, but use Visual SourceSafe (VSS) quite a bit at work. I’ve been needing a source control solution at home, but I wasn’t sure which way I wanted to go. I have a developer’s license for VSS, so that way wouldn’t cost me any money. Then again, neither would CVS or Svn.

VSS is a good choice because I’m somewhat familiar with it. But, I think I’m going to go with Svn. Why? Well, for a few reasons.

First, it’s what Mono uses. Since I’m still dabbling in Mono development, and plan to do a lot more than just that at some point, this seems like a decent idea.

Second, I’ve heard positive things about it lots of places. And, from what I’ve heard, some of the CVS developers are developing Svn as a replacement for CVS. I thought I heard that somewhere, anyway. Also, if I remember right, at least one of the bibliobloggers likes it, Tauber.

Third, it is something I can use with others, and they won’t have to pay for VSS licenses. I’m just trying to be nice...

So, I started with TortoiseSvn. It’s a version of Svn that integrates directly into Windows Explorer. It’s pretty nice, actually. I may move to a command line client since that’s probably what most people in the Mono world do. But, for a bit, this will do. If you’re just getting started with source control or Svn, it’s a good way to go.

If anyone has any suggestions on Svn tools, I’m all ears.