Both GIT and SVN are the two most popular types of source code management tools that you can use in your software development project with ease. Even though both are popular, they have considerable differences between them that need to be considered before you choose which tool to use.
Table of Contents
What is GIT?
GIT is a distributed version control system that will replicate all your commits and the entire history of the project on making a clone repository. There are three stages in which GIT can be used. These are:
- Working directory: Platform for coding and maintaining the source codes.
- Staging area: You can store the files that will be committed in future
- Local repository: Uploading and managing codes from the local system.
Advantages of GIT
- Settings and configurations of parent projects can be modified for child projects
- Builds for different environments can be processed simultaneously
- All the codes will be secured using the SHA1 algorithm
- Nonlinear development procedures are supported by GIT which is a major plus point.
- It is an open-source platform and can be used by all employees working on the same project.
Disadvantages of GIT
- This Version Control System is hard to maneuver, especially when code changes are done offline or the person starts with GIT.
- It doesn’t allow the compression of large binary files and storage of the same in the central repository.
- GIT has no access control feature that would limit entries through the central repository.
What is SVN?
SVN of Subversion is a centralized version control system. All the data will be stored on a central server and at a time, you will be able to see only one version of the project. All project histories and commits will be stored in your local repository and hence, you can make changes, access data, and even commit without the availability of the internet.
Advantages of SVN
- You can branch the codes to work on multiple project versions at once.
- It supports binary files for transferring them into the executable software version
- You can set different types of authorization based on routing
- It supports multiple languages, starting from Java to PHP.
- File locking is possible with SVN
Disadvantages of SVN
- SVN is not available offline, meaning that code changes, commits, pushes and pulls, and other types of commands will work only in the online mode.
- No backup code version can be stored on SVN, increasing the chances of data loss.
- Developers might struggle with code merge on SVN since it cannot be done with multiple users trying to commit a code simultaneously.
GIT VS SVN: A comparative study of version control systems
1. Architecture
GIT is a distributed Version Control System that allows developers to save the code versions to their local workspace from the central repository. Any code changes made locally won’t be available in the deployment server unless the changes are pushed into GIT’s central repository. On the other hand, SVN acts as a centralized VCS, allowing developers to work on the codes from the central repository only. There is no scope for saving the code versions to the local workspace.
2. Storage capacity
GIT can store large amounts of files or codebases at a time in its central repository. However, it doesn’t have enough disc space to store large volumes of binary files, even if they are compressed. On the contrary, SVN can store larger binary files of any size without further restriction. Furthermore, this VCS has an automatic feature for compressing and storing the file size without affecting the information.
3. Access controls
One of the significant flaws of GIT that has become a concerning subject is the lack of access controls for its central repository. In other words, people accessing the central repository will have unlimited access to the files stored on the same. As a result, GIT cannot be entirely secured against cyber-attacks and data breaches. However, when SVN is considered, users will have limited access to specific confidential files stored on its central repository. The access controls can be further managed through the Admin portal, ensuring absolute safety for the stored files.
4. Branches
Branching is one of the most essential features when choosing a Version Control System for a project. In GIT, branching is an alternative to code commits, as developers can create a branch to point toward code commits. Also, one doesn’t have to provide any information while making the GIT branch. On the other hand, branching in SVN is a complicated process since it needs to be connected to the central repository. While doing so, if multiple users give a branch merge command, it can lead to conflicts.
Differences between GIT and SVN
| GIT | SVN |
|---|---|
| Distributed Version Control System | Centralized Version Control System |
| Allows saving a copy of the code in the local workspace for further modifications | Allows working on code changes directly on the central repository with no access to the local workspace |
| A network connection is not needed to compile and execute codes | A network connection is crucial to access the repository and making changes to the code |
| Slowness is often observed due to the inability to handle larger binary files. | Binary files can be handled quickly, which further results in faster operations. |
| UI of GIT is a bit complicated and often makes it difficult for amateurs. | SVN is easy to use and can be understood with no hassle. |
| GIT does not limit user access to any file stored on the central repository. | SVN allows restricted user access to project-specific files for better security. |
Conclusion
Concluding the results from a comparative analysis of GIT VS SVN isn’t a walk in the park. The choice of the version control system will depend on numerous interim factors, including project budget and requirements, file size, security aspects, and many more. So, it is better to analyze the software from the project’s perspective and conclude whether the VCS chosen positively impacts deliverability, code version, productivity, and security.
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