versionihaldus

Versionihaldus, also known as version control, is a system that records changes to a file or set of files over time so that you can recall specific versions later. It is commonly used in software development to manage source code, but it can be applied to any type of file. Version control systems (VCS) help teams collaborate on projects by allowing multiple people to work on the same files simultaneously without overwriting each other's changes.

There are two main types of version control systems: centralized and distributed. Centralized version control systems, such as Subversion (SVN), use a single server to store all the versions of files, and clients check out files from this central place. Distributed version control systems, like Git, allow clients to also act as servers. This means that every clone of the repository is a full backup of all the data.

Key features of version control systems include:

- Tracking changes: VCS records every modification made to the files, including who made the change and when.

- Branching and merging: VCS allows developers to create branches to work on different features or bug fixes independently. These branches can later be merged back into the main branch.

- Reverting changes: If a mistake is made, VCS allows you to revert to a previous state of the files.

- Collaboration: VCS facilitates teamwork by enabling multiple people to work on the same project simultaneously and resolving conflicts that may arise.

Version control is essential for maintaining a history of changes, ensuring code integrity, and enabling efficient collaboration among developers. It is a fundamental tool in modern software development and other fields where file management and collaboration are crucial.