Best Version Control Systems

Version control systems, also known as revision control or source control systems, are software tools that help software professionals manage changes in the source code of documents, computer programs, and website content. These tools help track changes to software development projects and ensure easy management of those changes and revised files in a centralized database.

Best Version Control Systems in 2020

1. Microsoft Team Founder Server
2. AWS CodeCommit
3. Git
4. Subversion
5. Vault Version Control
6. Fossil
7. Mercurial
8. Plastic SCM
9. Fogbugz
10. CVS

Market Overview

Version control systems keep a log of changes in the source code that helps the program group to return to the past adaptation of the computer program in case required. Based on the area of the repository or the server, version control systems are of two types, namely, Centralized Version Control Systems (CVCS) and Distributed Version Control Systems (DVCS). But, in DVCS, local sources are delivered to the users/developers, together with access to the central repository. Thus, each user is permitted to clone the central repository and store the whole history of the changes in its local repository. The presence of open-source version control providers is creating pressure on the vendors to maintain their market position; this factor is acting as a restraint for the growth of the market. The growing need for large-scale version control systems is acting as an opportunity for the growth of the market. However, continuously growing data generated by organizations is one of the challenges for the adoption of version control tools.

The version control systems market is projected to grow from $438.8 m in 2018 to $716.1 m by 2023, at a CAGR of 10.3% during the forecast period. The market has been sectioned based on sort, deployment type, organization size, vertical, and region.

The Distributed Version Control Systems (DVCS) segment is expected to lead the version control market during the forecast period. Moreover, DVCS do not rely on a central server to store all the versions of a project’s files. Thus, the users can collaboratively work even when there is no internet connectivity for a while. The main advantage of DVCS is that it allows users to keep their work logged locally as well as to decide when to push the new changes to the central repository. Thus, the DVCS segment is expected to grow at a higher growth rate during the forecast period.

The version control systems market is highly consolidated and is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market players are adopting a mix of organic and inorganic growth strategies. They are concentrating on enhancing their product portfolio with innovative and technologically updated offerings, and are gradually concentrating on co-operating with each one new to complement their existing product offerings and expand their customer base. Market players are new product launches & product enhancements as the key business strategies to enhance their position in the version control systems market.

The competitive administration mapping (Quadrant) showcased underneath gives data for the Version control systems. Vendor assessments are based on two wide categories: item advertising and trade strategy. Each category carries different criteria, based on which sellers have been evaluated. The assessment criteria considered beneath item offerings incorporate the breadth of advertising, conveyance (based on businesses that the merchants cater to, arrangement models and memberships), features/functionality, conveyance, item quality assessment criteria considered beneath commerce technique incorporate geographic impression (based on geographic nearness), channel methodology and fit, vision arrangement, and adequacy of development (based on developments, associations, collaborations, and acquisitions).

The Version control systems in this category are: Microsoft Team Foundation Server, AWS CodeCommit, Git, and Subversion.

The Version control systems in this category are: Mercurial, and Plastic SCM.

The Version control in this category are: Vault Version Control, and Fossil.

The Version control systems in this category are: FogBugz, and CVS.

What are the elements of the Version Control Systems?

The version control architecture comprises various components and the interconnections between them. Based on the repository location, the VCS are available in two types: distributed VCS and centralized VCS. These solutions are deployed either on-premises or on the cloud, depending upon the need of enterprises. Cost-sensitive enterprises mostly prefer cloud-based solution as it offers better mobility, flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

The repository is a database in which all the implemented changes/edits and all the historical versions/snapshots of a software project are stored. Sometimes, the repository also contains some changes that are not applied to a working copy that a user/PC has created. In this case, the update command can be used so that the working copy is updated with all the latest changes that have been done by a user working on the same software project.

Working copy is a local/personal copy of the complete software project that a user can store locally on a workstation/PC and work on it without affecting the work of other users. After making the necessary changes, the repository can be updated with new changes by using a commit command.

The version history stored in the repository can be either linear or in the form of branches. Centralized VCS is the most commonly used type of version control systems because it utilized a centralized repository. The star architecture is illustrated as a central repository with multiple users/PCs working around it. Users update source code from the central repository into a local working copy and, after making changes, commit the changes back to the main repository. This allows other users to access recently updated changes in the main repository. Examples of centralized VCS are CVS, Perforce, and SVN.

In DVCS, numerous repositories are utilized for version control method. There is a central repository in the server, and every user gets its local repository, apart from a working copy for storing personal changes. Data is pulled from local repositories and pushed to the central repository.

The local operator repository is like the crucial server repository. The only variance is that the DVCS allows users to work with their local repositories while disconnected. Users can make changes, commit them to their local repositories, and merge changes from other users without affecting the main branch. Users can then make change sets available to others.

Features of Version Control Systems

Code branching — Version control Systems frameworks empower engineers to separate portions of code from the rest of the venture that is called as branch. Changes made inside these branches don't affect  in general venture until combined, permitting designers to work at the same time without causing major blunders.

Consolidate mistake location — In some cases when designers combine wrapped up branches, unexpected bugs and blunders happen. These mistakes are alluded to as merge clashes, as they are the result of modern code within the department clashing with the rest of the venture. Adaptation control frameworks alarm engineers to potential combine clashes and mistakes on combine, permitting clients to resolve these issues more viably.

Advance tracking — Much obliged to these systems’ always upgraded adaptation history, designers can effectively track advance on their projects’ advancement objectives. This permeability makes a difference for engineers working on diverse branches keep up a comprehensive understanding of the venture at expansive. Such straightforwardness minimizes blend blunders and other bugs caused by obsolete construct comprehension.

Project supports — VCS’ always kept up form history ensures ventures from bugs and mistakes by acting as a reinforcement. Clients can return back to past adaptations when things go off-base, protecting the by and large advance made. The more iterative and comprehensive the adaptation history, the more security is allowed to users’ advance.

Other features of version control systems include:

1. Dependable: keep forms around for as long as we require them; permit backups
2. Multiple records: track forms of a extend, not solo file
3. Important versions: what were the alterations, why were they did?
4. Revert: reestablish old editions, in entire or in part
5. Assess versions
6. Reviews record: for the entire extend or person files
7. Not only for code: composition, pictures, etc.

Why are Version Control Systems important?

Collaboration

Without a VCS in put, you're likely working together in a shared organizer on the same set of records. Yelling through the office that you simply are right now working on record "abc" which , in the interim, your partners ought to keep their fingers off isn't an satisfactory workflow. It's greatly error-prone as you're basically doing open-heart surgery all the time: sooner or afterward, somebody will overwrite somebody else's changes.

With a VCS, everyone on the group is able to work completely unreservedly - on any record at any time. The VCS will afterward permit you to combine all the changes into a common version. There's no address where the most recent form of a record or the total extend is. It's in a common, central put: your adaptation control system. Other benefits of employing a VCS are indeed autonomous of working in a group or on your claim.

Storage of Editions (Correctly)

Saving a form of your extend after making changes is an basic propensity. But without a VCS, this gets to be monotonous and confounding exceptionally quickly: How much do you spare? As it were the changed records or the total extend? Within the to begin with case, you'll have a difficult time seeing the total extend at any point in time - within the last mentioned case, you'll have tremendous sums of pointless information lying on your hard drive. How do you title these forms? If you are a exceptionally organized individual, you could be able to stay to an really comprehensible naming plot. In any case, as before long because it comes to variations (say, you would like to get ready one form with the header zone and one without it), chances are great you'll in the long run lose track. The most vital address, in any case, is likely this one: How do you know what precisely is distinctive in these adaptations?

Exceptionally few individuals really take the time to carefully archive each vital alter and incorporate this in a Readme record within the extend folder. A version control systems recognizes that there's as it were one extend. Hence, there's as it were the one adaptation on your disk that you're as of now working on. Everything else - all the past adaptations and variations - are neatly pressed up inside the VCS. Once you require it, you'll ask any adaptation at any time and you'll have a preview of the total extend right at hand.

Reestablishing Past Versions

Being able to reestablish more seasoned adaptations of a record (or indeed the full venture) successfully implies one thing: you can't mess up! In the event that the changes you've made lately demonstrate to be waste, you'll be able essentially fix them in a couple of clicks. Knowing this ought to make you a parcel more loose when working on critical bits of a extend.

Realizing What Occurred

Every time you spare a unused adaptation of your extend, your VCS requires you to supply a brief depiction of what was changed. Furthermore (in case it's a code / content record), you'll see what precisely was changed within the file's substance. This makes a difference you get it how your venture advanced between adaptations.

Who uses the Version Control Systems?

Version control frameworks display crucial instruments for improvement groups of all sizes. These systems’ synchronous collaboration capacities are as valuable to groups of five as they are to groups of fifty. Indeed solo engineers depend on adaptation control frameworks to encourage streamlined development.

Software development groups — Program advancement groups utilize version control frameworks to realize organized collaboration and parallel improvement by means of branching. With adaptation control frameworks, group individuals can work on isolated errands at the same time whereas keeping the ace store intaglio. They can too utilize form control history to track changes made by other individuals of the group, making a difference keep everybody on the same page.

Single engineers — The benefits of version control frameworks expand past group collaboration. Single designers depend on version control systems branching usefulness to securely make changes to their ventures, without breaking their builds. On the off chance that a department consolidate or other issue ruins a venture, solo engineers can effectively return to a earlier form to protect their generally advance.

Version Control Systems, By type

The rising implementation of smart-phones and tablet as well as the increasing need to reduce the complexities of software development process have played a major role in the adoption of VCS across various industry verticals, such as IT, BFSI, and healthcare. The rise in the adoption of VCS solutions by enterprises has led to faster software delivery and collaborative workflow for change management process. These systems are deployed either on-premises or on the cloud, depending upon the need of enterprises.

The major differentiating factor between CVCS and DVCS is the repository location for version control process. Enterprises chose the version control tool based on the number of users, size of data files, and the number of repositories required. According to these parameters, the pricing structure of CVCS and DVCS varies for customized needs of customers.

CVCS

In CVCS, a solo, centralized repository is placed in the main server of the company and constant Net connectivity is needed for keeping the updated version change history. Single copies of software projects and their version history are available on the centralized server. Users update source code from the central repository into a local working copy and, after making changes, commit the changes back to the central repository. This allows other users to access the recently updated changes in the central repository.

CVCS is the most commonly used type of VCS because it utilizes a centralized repository. It allows users/programmers to reduce manual version tracking on their hard drives and effectively share the new enhancements in the software projects with other users. Due to these advantages, the CVCS segment is estimated to lead the market during the forecast period.

DVCS

In DVCS, multiple repositories are used for the version control process. There is one central repository in the server, and every user gets its local repository, apart from a working copy for storing personal changes. The data is pulled from the local repositories and pushed to the central repository. Users can make changes, commit them to their local repositories, and merge changes from other users without affecting the main branch. Users can then make change sets available to others. Git, Mercurial, and Bazaar are some of the majorly used DVCS.

DVCS offer various advantages over CVCS, due to which the customers are gradually shifting from CVCS to DVCS. Also, they allow for flexible workflows tailored to a user’s project and developer team needs. Moreover, DVCS do not necessarily rely on a central server to store all the versions of a project’s files. Hence, the users can collaboratively work even when there is no internet connectivity for a while. The major advantage of DVCS is that it allows users to keep their work logged locally as well as to decide when to push the new changes to the central repository. Owing to these factors, the DVCS segment is expected to grow at a higher growth rate during the forecast period.

Version Control Systems, By deployment type

Based on deployment type, the version control systems market is segmented into cloud and on-premises. On-premises deployment is run on customers’ data centers and allows them to control and manage all aspects of the service. The providers of cloud-based version control tool also undertake the responsibility of managing the services. Between the two deployment types, the cloud-based deployment is expected to exhibit a higher growth rate during the forecast period.

Cloud

Cloud-based arrangement has empowered businesses to function without a server framework or office area, hence permitting their employees to work remotely. Cloud deployment of version control tool helps cut down the total cost of ownership and increase data storage capabilities for organizations. These variables are supporting the development of the cloud-based version control tool. Cloud-based deployment offers usage-based benefit demonstrate, which gives companies with the adaptability to pay cloud benefit sellers as it were when the administrations are utilized as against the forthright capital expenditure involved in on-premises deployment. Thus, most SMEs are adopting cloud deployment as it helps avoid the costs related to hardware, software, storage, and technical staff.

In a cloud deployment, single tenant private cloud is more preferred by businesses as compared to the multi-tenant shared cloud. Cloud-based systems offer a centralized way to secure the sensitive data across an organization throughout the version control tool. Moreover, cloud-deployed systems reduce the cost associated with upgrading and updating solutions in comparison to the costs associated with on-premises deployed systems, as the extra cost is borne by the service providers in the cloud-deployed format. This is also one of the aspects driving the growth of the cloud segment. However, most organizations are not comfortable with storing their sensitive data such as software source code and enhancement history on the cloud.

On-Premises

On-premises deployment of version control systems offers customers with add up to control on the security of endeavor information such as source code, adaptation improvements, and change history. This data is secured, as it exists on dedicated servers that are separated both physically and virtually from any other business data of the customer. Though on-premises deployment of VCS is a traditional deployment model, it is presently the most preferred method.

On-premises deployment of VCS is mainly adopted by large organizations, as they focus primarily on the security and privacy of the enterprise data. The availability of IT resources also enables large enterprises to adopt on-premises deployment of version control tool. However, the trend is changing, and large enterprises are considering outsourcing their business operations for management by third-parties. Still, verticals such as BFSI and public sector prefer the on-premises deployment, as they cannot afford to lose their sensitive data.

Version Control Systems, By vertical

Version control systems are being widely used in the IT & telecom, BFSI, healthcare & life sciences, retail & CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods), education, and other verticals, which include government, energy & utilities, travel & hospitality, and media & entertainment

IT & Telecom

With an increase in downloads of different types of mobile products for example game, news, sporting, and enjoyment, the requirement to handle versions of these applications is growing. Version control systems helps the IT & telecom organizations to secure the source code of the current version and work on the latest release.

Lion's share of the IT & telecom organizations are broadly implementing version control tool. However, IT & telecom organizations face a challenge in terms of application lifecycle management where the IT developers working at offshore locations expect the latest version of the software or application instantaneously.

BFSI

There is a rapid adoption of best version control systems in the banking, financial services & insurance (BFSI) vertical. BFSI organizations need version control tool to track the old versions of software and provide upgraded versions of the same. With the advancement of client necessities and expanding number of versatile applications clients, there's a sudden development of cyberattacks at user mobile application side. Governments have cautioned banks regarding the growth of cyberattacks at ATMs, websites of insurance companies, and mobile application source code.

Healthcare

The increase in requirement for AI and machine learning technology will steadily boost the implementation of numerous computer software and functions in the healthcare industry. These program needs steady fixes and frequent renews. Software upgrades and administration of the newest editions of program is achieved via VCS.

Education

Education is one of the major verticals in the version control systems market. Traditionally, the version control systems process was done manually in the schools, colleges, and universities. The emergence of automatic version control tools such as Git, Mercurial, and Perforce has helped the education industry to automate several processes such as allocation of assignments, student performance assessment, and enhancement of team and project performance.

With version control systems, schools, colleges, and universities can manage modification of large quantities of data across the entire educational operations spectrum, including admissions, facilities management, health and safety norms, feedback forms, and student records. VCS help manage the changes in files, website contents, and applications used by educational institutes. Version control systems policies ensure thatregulatory compliance is maintained, and those with authority can only access confidential documents.

Retail

Many retail and buyer bundled merchandise companies have a dispersed trade demonstrate with different office areas and conveyance centres, empowering them to put their items nearer to their clients. Numerous areas, in any case, implies that the agreement group isn't included within the office administration and the everyday operations. Consequently, they encounter exceptional challenges as they look for to set up and implement approaches, methods, contracts, and worker preparing beneath the given working conditions whereas assembly administrative rules. Agreeing to the changing customer needs, these companies persistently upgrade their site substance and versatile applications.

Others

The other verticals of the version control systems market include government, energy & utilities, travel & hospitality, and media & entertainment. With the adoption of version control tools, organizations can achieve low operations cost and management overheads, reduce the cost of technical staffing, better freight & fare management, enhanced performance, and better software development processes.

Evolution of Version control systems

Version control, a component of Software Configuration Management (SCM), have evolved from manual maintenance of version history to the automated version control. Organizations have been using different types of best version control tools such as Revision Control System (RCS), Concurrent Versions System (CVS), and Distributed Version Control System (DVCS) according to their requirements.

Source Code Control System (SCCS) was the first VCS and was extensively adopted by users. It was a proprietary tool developed in 1972 at Bell Labs by Marc Rochkind for IBM OS/360 system. Since SCCS was proprietary (until 2006), the GNU Project also developed a free version called Compatibly Stupid Source Control (CSSC).

Walter F. Tichy developed the Revision Control System (RCS) at Purdue University and released in 1982 to address some of the shortcomings of SCCS at the time, such as better user interface and branching capabilities. SCCS and RCS are both considered the first-generation best version control systems and can be worked only locally, which means the source code being worked on can only reside on one machine at any time. The next advancement of VCS came in the form of client-server VCS, which store the source code on a single server and allow users to download the source code on their local machine, modify it, and submit the changes (check-in/commit) to the centralized server. The first one of these second-generation version control systems tool is the Concurrent Versions System (CVS), developed by Dick Grune, and launched in 1986.

In 1992, ClearCase, the most-used and the most powerful SCM ever built at that time, was launched. Though it is complicated to manage, costly, and slow-moving SCM, it still is very good at branching and merging with its unique features, such as dynamic views. In the mid-1990s, Perforce, a centralized version control, was launched. Its initial version was not very good with branching and merging at that time. However, it still holds a leading position among the users in the gaming sector.

The Distributed Version Control (DVCS) including Git and Mercurial were launched in mid and late 2000, with improvements over the centralized version control. There was no longer a central, 'official' source repository; instead, every user could hold a working copy of the complete source code, operate on it locally to produce changesets, and share these changesets with other users directly. It is a peer-to-peer system. A DVCS also suits the open source community because users/developers can commit their modifications without having to send it to a centralized server, which means that they can have private copies for their use.

Market Dynamics

Version control systems are rapidly gaining acceptance worldwide by the software development communities due to their source code control and management capabilities. The key to successfully penetrating this market in emerging regions lies in delivering enhanced version control solutions with high-performance capabilities and offering cost-effective services.

Drivers

Growing need to decrease complexity in software development

Major IT players are investing heavily in the software market to harness the growth potential offered by it. Version control tool allow the developers to keep track of all changes in software in a central database, reuse the existing code in a new version, and return to a previous version if necessary. Version control tool allows the complete advancement group to work collaboratively by giving the log of each alter within the computer program; in this manner decreasing the complexity of computer program advancement handle.

Growing requirement for automation and digitalization

Technological advancements have led to a transition toward automation and digitalization to reduce complex, repetitive tasks and errors associated with humans. Version control systems tool assist in application testing and deployment. Application testing and deployment are followed by reporting through email or other forms of notifying the users. They also provide continuous integration capabilities for web integration projects. The ease of operation and user-friendliness has created a high demand for automated software management and tracking tools across the globe, which is expected to drive revenue growth for the version control market. For example, systems such as Bazaar offered by Canonical (UK) automatically track every variation made in the source code and maintain a backup of every model. Thus, the increasing demand for automation and digitalization in the software development process is spurring the adoption of version control systems.

Constantly rising implementation of smartphones and tablets

The smartphones & tablet market has been steadily growing in terms of shipments and revenue. As per Statista (Germany), over one-third of the world’s population is expected to own a smartphone in 2018, and the number of mobile phone users in the world is expected to exceed 5 billion by 2019. In May 2017, Google (US) announced that there are more than 2 billion monthly active Android devices in use around the world, while Apple had 1 billion active iOS devices in January 2016. Owing to the growing acceptance and implementation of smartphones and tablets across the globe, various types of mobile applications have been introduced. According to a paper titled “Something for Everyone: Why the Growth of Mobile Apps Is Good News for Brands” published in July 2017, more than 90% of smartphone users use mobiles apps for various purposes such as gaming, browsing, and entertainment.

Restraints

Amazingly forceful advertise with the presence of huge IT companies and open source VCS suppliers

The version control systems market is in its development stage and is extremely aggressive, due to the presence of big market players such as Microsoft and IBM. Furthermore, free open-source products are competing with the commercial version control products from leading brands and established players in the market. The negotiating capacity of the purchasers is greater than the vendors in this market, which results in decreased profit potential for the vendors and creates pressure to lower the price, improve quality, and provide better service to maintain their position in the market. The threat of backward integration also increases in this situation.

Many organizations are adopting open-source VCS. The open-source technology offers significant benefits such as reduced costs, increased control, and the flexibility to adapt to any environment. These tools are developed on open standards and are customizable and platform-independent.

Implementation of varied applications in IT companies

The assembly of IT organizations is changing with the shift from old-style business processes to numerous automated applications to improve effectiveness. This leads to expanded complexities in overseeing the adaptations of different program utilized in an organization. With such a differing IT framework, it would too ended up more challenging to distinguish the realness of clients getting to distinctive applications from a few merchants whereas performing alter administration.

Opportunities

Growing necessity for large scale VCS

Distributed version control systems (DVCS) offers very high-speed, lightweight, and nearby software alter control capabilities that back numerous parallel code branches over large project code bases. The DVCS approach is ideal for individuals and small, agile teams because it puts control directly in their hands without the need to handle all file changes with systems that were designed using a central management paradigm. Though, the distributed method taken by DVCS has generally presented trials for operations, particularly when large-scale enterprise software systems containing of constituents from many separate repositories need to be managed and controlled.

For enterprises developing advanced software incorporating both binary and text-based assets, large-scale enterprise hybrid version control which support both distributed and centralized structures offer the best solution. They provide capabilities for a global single source of code, replication of all types of artifacts, and management of versions of everything from planning to release. By addressing operational management issues subsequent from the extension of individual version control repositories, while at the same time preserving benefits of distributed systems, today’s enterprise-class centralized.

Availability of commercial VCS for Small and Medium Enterprises

Commercial VCS are usually expensive and need a substantial one-time investing. The emergence of cloud technology has enabled players to provide economical solutions that can be targeted to customers who focus more on price instead of the features of solutions. The Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model is the best fit for SMEs, as they only have to pay a subscription fee to use the best version control systems over the internet. Therefore, SMEs do not have to put in much efforts to maintain the solution and have the option of scaling up as per the growing need to manage the software development process.

Challenges

Increasing quantity of information generated by companies

Version control is the process of controlling and tracking software changes. The process involves storing various versions of software in a centralized repository, which includes the information of author and change history. With frameworks getting to be increasingly scattered, customizable, and heterogeneous, the amount of information collected with respects to change history is vast.

The data collected from different components of infrastructure keeps piling up and deriving information/insights from the data becomes a challenge for the IT department. As the organizations grow, so does the volume, variety, and velocity of data. Just collecting and storing the data is of no consequence; extracting meaningful information from it is fair as basic to the existence of the IT ecosystem. Thus, handling the growing size of data with optimum performance of version control tool may be a challenging figure for the development of the market.