Of course, without such programs, not a single Linux distribution could fully develop. The selected tool for the development of a specific project makes it possible to connect the work of programmers into a coherent whole. Using this tool, any developer can make any changes to the program, and the control system will fix this and show the result to everyone else.
Accordingly, the basic principle of such a tool is simple - registration of any changes in the program code. When you add new files to the application or change existing ones, a new version of the entire program is formed, which makes it very convenient and consistent to view all project modifications. The second major positive factor that the version control system provides is convenient teamwork.
There are several options for solving this problem. In the simplest case, one dedicated server is used to locate all the project files. After that, all participants save on their computer a local copy of all data from the server, then make their changes and synchronize them with the general server project. A similar principle is used by the CVS version control system, as well as Subversion.
The second design option of the system can be a distributed principle (using peer-to-peer technology). In this case, there is no common place for data storage, so each programmer places his copy of the project on a personal machine, which is synchronized with everyone else.
Such a decentralized approach is quite popular, and it is used, for example, by an advanced system such as Git.
It is worth noting that control systems can be used not only by programmers, but also those who just need to download the latest version of the application or manage documentation.
Today, there are many interesting solutions that allow you to organize a workflow, and each version control system has its own characteristics. Therefore, it is important to navigate the existing diversity in order to make the best choice for yourself.
CVS
CVS version control system appeared after the oldest RCS system and was more convenient - less limited multi-user work with the file. It all started with the fact that the creator of this new system, Dick Grune, initially needed a tool for collaborative development of the C compiler.
This tool uses a client-server model. The server regulates all changes to files by clients, blocking it at the time of operation or providing read-only access. All control does not come from the command line, but from the CVS native shell. It is installed by default on many Linux-based systems.
Git
Unlike the previous development, Git version control system is a distributed solution that does not require a dedicated server. The main difference is that if, for example, the data is lost from the general project, then it can be easily collected again from the distributed code of the creators, but if it was stored on the server, then it happens that such a possibility is absent. Management in the system is relatively simple, so switching to using such an instrument will not be difficult.