What makes Git and SVN different?

1 Centralized vs distributed

One of the most fundamental differences between Git and SVN is that Git is a distributed system, while SVN is a centralized one. This means that in Git, every developer has a full copy of the repository on their local machine, and can work offline and independently. In SVN, however, there is only one central repository on a server, and developers have to connect to it to access and update the code. This affects how you commit, merge, branch, and resolve conflicts.

2 Commit and merge

In Git, you can make local commits without affecting the remote repository, and then push them when you are ready. This gives you more flexibility and control over your code history, and allows you to work on multiple features at the same time. In SVN, however, you have to commit your changes to the central repository every time, and deal with potential conflicts with other developers' code. This can slow down your development process, and make it harder to track and revert changes.

3 Branch and tag

Another difference between Git and SVN is how they handle branching and tagging. Branching is creating a separate line of development from the main code base, while tagging is marking a specific point in the code history. In Git, branching and tagging are lightweight and easy, and you can switch between them with a simple command. In SVN, however, branching and tagging are more cumbersome and expensive, and require copying the entire repository. This can make it difficult to manage and maintain multiple branches and tags.

4 Performance and security

Finally, Git and SVN differ in their performance and security aspects. Git is faster and more efficient than SVN, because it operates locally and does not require network communication for most operations. Git also has better data integrity and security, because it uses cryptographic hashes to identify and verify every change. SVN, on the other hand, is slower and more vulnerable than Git, because it relies on a central server that can be hacked or corrupted. SVN also has weaker data integrity and security, because it uses revision numbers that can be manipulated or overwritten.

Choosing between Git and SVN depends on your project requirements, preferences, and constraints. Both systems have their pros and cons, and you should weigh them carefully before deciding. Some factors to consider are the size and complexity of your project, the frequency and type of changes, the level of collaboration and coordination, the network availability and reliability, and the learning curve and compatibility.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?