tools:vcs:index
Version control
Versioning and archiving of processing routines
- Version control has a liberating effect on software development.
- Version control is an essential prerequisite
to unequivocally identify the version of a routine employed. - Distributed version control systems facilitate their use
and reduce external dependencies. - For a larger project, a clear work flow should be established
and followed consequently. - Version control has the largest impact on how we program –
besides automatic tests.
Why versioning?
- Software is always subject to change – that's why it is called “soft”.
- Routines for data processing and analysis develop, often together with the understanding of the task.
- Reverting to the last version that “just worked” is an (easy) task.
What should be versioned?
- Basically everthing, from a script for data processing to the final manuscript/thesis/project report
What are prerequisites for ubiquitious versioning?
- Open file formats allowing for easy versioning (ideally text formats)
- Minimal infrastructure requirements, as met by a distributed version control system
- Possibility to share versioned data with others (via simple-to-use web interfaces)
Beware: Versioning without version numbers is only half the battle.
Which tool to use
Note: This section is clearly opinionated. There are definitely other tools available. However, this is the tool the author recommends from own experience.
git – Everything is local
Wide-spread distributed version control system with excellent support
github.com
Largest development and code-sharing online platform, with free accounts
For local applications and given a minimum of infrastructure, Gitea - Git with a cup of tea is highly recommended as a fast and light-weight alternative to services such as GitLab. Gitea describes itself as a “painless self-hosted Git service” – and this really is true.
tools/vcs/index.txt · Last modified: 2020/09/29 16:30 by till