As a regular user of CVS, I am well aware of the limitations this classic tool has. As a result, I’ve been looking for tools that are as simple to use as CVS yet have learned from the shortcomings of CVS. Subversion appears to be such a tool. The authors of Version Control with Subversion have produced an informative yet succinct book that will get one started with what they call the “Next Generation Open Source Version Control.”
They begin with a general architectural overview of version control systems and of subversion itself. Individual sections are provided for prospective users and administrators of a subversion system. They explain the pros and cons of the two different servers that can be used to provide source control access to remote users. A detailed section is also given to the developer who is interested in the inner workings of subversion. In closing they give a complete reference to using the complete family of subversion tools.
This is a straightforward book and as such there isn’t so much to say about it, but that is a good thing. It covers the topic well, and I look forward to putting the knowledge to work.