Version Control

Topics covered

Did you ever wish you could have gone back to a previous version of the document you are editing? Did a co-worker accidently overwrite your modifications to a file? Did you ever wonder when and why a change was made to a program? If at least one of the above applies, version control software is able to assist you in your work. In this information session we will provide an overview of how version control software can be used effectively by an individual, as well as by a group of collaborators. Version control software is not simply for programmers, it can help anyone who works on documents that change over time. Publications, course  notes, bibliographies, even data come to mind. Although the emphasis is on the git version control system, subversion will be discussed as well.

Previous knowledge

Some familiarity with the Linux shell is required.

Result/Objectives

Participants will be able to make an informed choice between various types of version control systems, and know how to use them effectively.