Pragmatic Version Control: Using Subversion (Pragmatic Programmers)

No idea what the first edition was like, but as of version 1.3, if you're looking to get up and running with Subversion, this book is a must buy.

This takes you through setting up a repository and the various tasks you'd probably want to carry out, in a simple step-by-step manner. The slightly trickier proposition of setting up the subversion server is also covered, with both Apache and SSH variations, as well as the more basic svnserve.

Beyond the simple recipes, there is also some helpful advice on 'agile' use of repositories: guidelines on how to arrange a project and deal with things like 3rd party code, and the use of branching and tagging for dealing with bug fixes and releases.

Of the three Pragmatic Starter Kit books, this is the one that delivers the most value for money. There is more substantial information here than the Pragmatic Automation book, and unlike JUnit, there are not many up to date or comprehensive Subversion tutorials on the net for free. While the official Subversion book is freely available from the svn website, compiling all the information presented here is far more time consuming.

If you're looking to start version control with Subversion, then buy without hesitation.

Pragmatic best practices with version control! (13/13 people found this helpful)

At first this book seems unobtrusive next to some other 400+ page books on your bookshelf. However, don't overlook it... This book is really easy to read, has good theory coverage, is brimming with down to earth practical examples and has lots of best practices that one should be using.

The first 150 pages give the reader an in-depth introduction to Subversion and common place version control theory and mechanisms. The last 50 pages cover the appendix dealing with installation, security, migration from dated versioning systems such as CVS, third party tools and last but not least a command summary and set of recipes.

I took a complete day to read the book and try out the examples. Considering the price of the book and the time spent reading it, its return on investment is high. It certainly knocks the socks off some commercial products and training I've seen in the past.

Really, this is one book I certainly recommend for Architects, Software Engineers and SCM specialists even if you're not using Subversion!

Subversion / Version Control questions? This is the answer! (10/17 people found this helpful)

When it comes to version control systems, CVS has long been the
workhorse of the Open Source and Free Software movements, but with the release of Subversion it's time to put the old nag to rest; and this book tells you what you need to do it.

Summary
Whether you're new to version control in general or just Subversion itself this book is highly recommended. Clear, concise and crammed full of useful, important and dare I say, pragmatic, advice and information. An excellent book in it's own right and a worthy addition to the Starter Kit Series.

Pragmatic Version Control: Using Subversion (Pragmatic Programmers)

Mike Mason

Reader Reviews:

All you need to start version control (11/11 people found this helpful)

Pragmatic best practices with version control! (13/13 people found this helpful)

Subversion / Version Control questions? This is the answer! (10/17 people found this helpful)

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