Version control systems are essential for software development of any kind.
Software teams make use of VCSs to collaborate, trace code changes, and for risk management in a variety of industries where mistakes can cost a lot, like fintech.
However, with numerous options available, it can be challenging to select the best version control system for your software project.
Let’s examine what version control systems are, the various types currently available, and how to choose the right one for your development process.
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What is a Version Control System?
A version control system (VCS) records every change that you make to a file, or a set of files, over your entire project. This allows you to track changes made, return to earlier versions, and perform other tasks.
The primary reason people use version control systems is that these features enable multiple developers to work on the same project simultaneously.
You also get version control systems, which apply to design assets, documentation, and large data files.
Also known as revision control or source control, these systems enable you to create a single source of truth, allowing your teams to work quickly and efficiently.
Benefits of Version Control Software
There are many reasons why you need version control systems:
- History and traceability
- Collaboration and parallel development
- Quality and faster delivery
- Risk management and audit trails
If you are working with any product that is offering a service to users, we would say that version control systems are non-negotiable.
Core Concepts in Version Control
There are several foundational concepts you need to understand when discussing version control systems.
Repository
The repository refers to a central database where all previous versions of your project files exist alongside the current one.
There are a couple of repositories available with slight differences, but most store history, branches, and metadata.
Commit and commit messages.
Every change that you make to a file or set of files is saved as a ‘commit’, which is like a snapshot of what your project looked like at that point in time.
Commit messages are similar to breadcrumbs, and are used to figure out what the developers were thinking or why the change was made at the time.
Branching and merging
Branches, which we have mentioned already, allow software developers to work on a single feature independently, without disturbing the rest of their source code.
Once the developer is finished, the branch can be merged back into your main code without overwriting the other work entirely.
Tags and releases
Tags are how developers mark commits as important.
They are often used for release points, making it easy to determine which version is live. They can be used for anything related to tracking and managing, though.
Pull requests and code review.
A pull request is a proposal made by one of your developers to merge one branch with another. Usually, another developer will review the pull request and make sure that there are no issues.
In theory, you don’t need to use pull requests all the time, but it is definitely a good idea if you want to ensure accountability and maintain high-quality code.
Types of Version Control Systems
Now that you have a basic understanding of all the terms you will encounter, we can cover the different types of version control software.
Local Version Control
Local systems only track the files from your developer’s computer. They are fast and straightforward, but since they don’t examine the entire code, they aren’t widely used in software development projects that require collaboration.
Unless you are working on a passion project all by yourself, these won’t be much use to you. The modern software development process heavily relies on expert collaboration.
Centralized Version Control Systems (CVCS)
Subversion (SVN) is a good example of a centralized system. This form of version control relies on keeping your project history on a single server.
Since everything is in one place, it’s easy to manage your team’s control and access. However, you also lack a failsafe. If something happens to your server, everything grinds to a halt if something goes wrong.
Distributed Version Control Systems (DVCS)
Distributed systems like Git or Mercurial are basically the standard for version control these days. Every user receives a complete copy of the repository, allowing them to work offline in case the server becomes unavailable.
Branching and merging also occur faster, and as long as you implement basic cybersecurity measures, there is not much difference in risk between distributed and centralized systems.
Lock-based vs. optimistic concurrency
We have only ever seen a lock-based model used in systems that handle something like significant binary assets.
They are a bit of a pain, as each user must go through a file locking step before editing to avoid conflicts.
Optimistic models, on the other hand, assume users can work in parallel. They enable you to create branches and resolve conflicts that may arise during the merging process.
You’ve really got to consider the type of asset you manage to make your final decision between these two.
Popular Version Control Tools in 2025
So, what are the most popular version control systems to use in 2025?
Git
Git is dominating the market. It powers platforms such as GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket.
As mentioned above, it is a distributed system. While it is very flexible and supported by its massive integration ecosystem, it can struggle with huge files.
If you have a monolithic Git repository, consider pairing it with an extension like Git LFS.
Subversion (SVN)
SVN is by far the most popular centralized control option. We often encounter this issue when working with enterprise systems.
The main reason large companies like this is that it helps simplify compliance and auditing, thanks to the single repository. But this is at the expense of the type of flexibility you get when working with something like Git.
Mercurial
Mercurial is a distributed system that’s popular for its simplicity and efficiency. It’s a great alternative to Git if you’re looking for something more straightforward and consistent in terms of workflow.
It hasn’t been popular in recent years, though, as it’s generally slower than Git, so be cautious when considering whether to use Mercurial.
Perforce Helix Core
Perforce is excellent for managing large repositories and binary assets. When would this happen? Consider industries such as game development and chip design.
This ability to handle exceptionally large quantities of code means it is incredibly scalable, and its granular access control is unmatched.
It is tough to learn, though, and comes with a steep licensing cost. If you don’t need it, you may be better off with an alternative option for your source code management.
Plastic SCM (Unity Version Control)
Plastic SCM, now acquired by Unity, is also excellent for handling large binary files and branching workflows.
If you need something a little more like Git than Perforce, but that can still handle binary assets, then Plastic SCM is a good option.
Fossil and other niche tools
There are a variety of version control systems that have been created with a particular use case in mind.
Fossil, for example, was created by the SQLite author and is very lightweight with built-in issue tracking and wiki features.
How Version Control Systems Work in Practice
Having a good understanding of how your developers might approach using a version control system is essential for choosing the best option for your workflow.
Although DevOps practices vary, resulting in significant differences in processes, we can use a basic example to gain a general understanding.
Basic workflow
Typically, you will start by cloning a repository to your local machine.
Once that is done, you will make your changes, record them with commits, and then push updates to the shared repository.
At the same time, you will incorporate changes made by others, ensuring your code remains synchronized and everyone works with the latest version, while maintaining a history of the changes made to the code over time.
Branching strategies
There are multiple branching styles that teams can choose to use.
Trunk-based development is one option, where you favor small, frequent integrations to reduce the chances of merge conflicts.
GitFlow is the opposite. You use multiple long-lived branches (feature, release, hotfix), so that your larger teams can have the structure to pull off more complex release cycles.
The decision will depend mainly on your release cadence and how familiar your teams are with the increasing complexity that comes with GitFlow as opposed to the simplicity of trunk-based development.
Collaboration and code reviews
We have already mentioned that peer review is done through pull requests or merge requests. This is how most modern workflows typically occur.
They not only improve the quality of code but also create a documented trail of decisions, approvals, and changes.
We work with companies in heavily regulated industries, such as fintech, where this evidence is crucial for compliance audits. However, beyond that, it is beneficial for knowledge sharing.
Handling binary and large files
Version control systems, whether centralized or distributed, are primarily designed for managing text. But teams need to manage large design files, models, and datasets.
Git LFS (Large File Storage) is an option that allows you to track binary assets without overloading your repository. But you need to consider that it is limited.
Perforce and Plastic SCM are better as they are specifically engineered for these use cases and offer additional security through features like file locking, as well as optimized storage.
Migrating Between Version Control Systems
In many cases, the question is not whether or not you should be using a version control system, but how you can move from one to another.
Migrations can be disastrous if not planned well. Let’s look at some of the most common migrations.
Subversion, as discussed, is widespread in enterprises, but a lot of teams want to move over to Git so that distributed collaboration can be facilitated. In these cases, there are existing tools like svn2git that can help you move over without losing your existing history.
In other cases, teams may outgrow Perforce’s licensing costs and want to move over to an alternative like Git or Plastic.
These companies need to prepare by carefully managing their massive binary assets and permissions, sometimes even using mirrored repositories and moving them over in stages to ensure they do not encounter issues.
If your team is managing a monolithic repository, you only have a couple of options. You can either split them into smaller pieces or optimize workflows for scale.
In general, filtering history, pruning old files, and adopting specialized tools are all essential parts of a good migration strategy.
If you need assistance with planning or executing a version control system migration, our developers can help guide you through the process. We match each developer with you based on their experience, so you are guaranteed to work with someone who has successfully completed similar migrations before.
Best Practices for Version Control
No matter which system you choose, following several tried and tested practices will ensure that your version control systems help you instead of hindering you.
First, make sure that you pay attention to commit hygiene. They need to be small, atomic, and clear messages that make debugging simpler, rather than adding complexity.
It is also standard to protect your main branches, enforce reviews, and put guardrails in place that prevent mistakes, such as the review processes already discussed.
Integrating VCSs with your CI/CD pipelines can assist in other automated tests that help you pick up on any mistakes before they can affect you. This also shortens feedback loops.
Finally, ensure that you prioritize security to align with regulations and compliance standards, such as SOC 2 and ISO 27001. These could include configuring access controls, enabling commit signing, and maintaining clear audit logs.
Troubleshooting and Common Pitfalls for Developers
Issues are bound to happen, even with the best systems.
Fortunately, as long as you are already following the best practices discussed, it should be pretty easy to troubleshoot.
Try the following steps to make sure you aren’t making some of the most common mistakes:
- Merge conflicts: These are inevitable with collaboration, although infrequent if you have a good branching strategy.
- Considerable file bloat: If your repository is sluggish, it may be time to consider if your files are large enough for Git LFS, Perforce, or Plastic SCM.
- Poor commit discipline (“final_final_v7”): Your users need to be disciplined, or the best VSC will not help. Enforce commit standards and reviews.
- Misconfigured permissions or branch rules: Double-check permissions and regularly audit access rights to make sure everything is secure and there are no accidental merges.
If you need developers to help with any of this, you’re in the right place.
We can connect you with the right people in as few as a few days. No hiring hassle, no HR resources spent.
To get started or find out more, reach out to schedule a free consultation.
FAQ
Is version control the same as source control?
Yes, version control is also known as source control. The two terms are largely interchangeable. Typically, source control” usually emphasizes code, while “version ” applies to everything.
What’s the difference between centralized and distributed VCS?
The difference between centralized and distributed VCSs is that centralized systems usually rely on a single server, while distributed systems replicate the repository to each user’s local machine, allowing them to work offline.
Which VCS is best for binary assets?
The best VCS for binary assets is probably Perforce or Plastic SCM. Both options are far better at handling binaries than Git, even with the assistance of Git LFS.
What branching strategy should I use in 2025?
The best branching strategy to use in 2025 is probably trunk-based development, as it allows for continuous delivery. GitFlow is still a great option in select instances where large teams need very structured releases, though.
