Windows Svn Tortoisesvn Visualsvn Server

The Best Way to Deploy Subversion (SVN) in a Multi-Site Windows Environment

Transitioning from Microsoft Source Safe to Subversion (SVN) is a significant step, especially for teams working in a Microsoft ecosystem. This guide provides insights on how to effectively deploy SVN in a multi-site Windows environment, ensuring that developers can collaborate efficiently regardless of their physical location.

Understanding the Challenge

Your team is predominantly working within Microsoft environments—it’s essential to find a version control system that not only meets your needs but also integrates well with your tools. As you move away from Source Safe, you’ll want to consider both hosting options and integration capabilities that SVN offers.

The Solution: Setting Up Subversion

Choosing Your Hosting Method

  1. Self-Hosting SVN:

    • Running your own Subversion server can save costs and give you complete control over your repository.
    • You won’t have to worry about vendor reliability; the fate of your codebase is in your hands.

  2. Third-Party Hosting:

    • An alternative is to use a hosting service for SVN.
    • This option can be convenient, but be aware of potential risks if the vendor encounters issues.

Installation Instructions

To get started with setting up your Subversion server, consider the helpful guide provided by Jeff Atwood. Here’s a link to his article on setting up Subversion on Windows: Setting up Subversion on Windows.

Choosing the Right Client

When it comes to choosing a client for SVN, here are two popular options:

  1. TortoiseSVN:

    • TortoiseSVN is a free, open-source client that is user-friendly.
    • It integrates into Windows Explorer, making it simple to manage your version control tasks.

  2. VisualSVN:

    • If you require deeper integration with Visual Studio, VisualSVN is a robust choice.
    • It offers features like automatic file opening when editing, but keep in mind that SVN doesn’t require a file to be opened for version control tasks, which may lessen the benefit of this integration.
  • Start with TortoiseSVN: Since it’s free and easy to use, begin with this client and gauge your needs before investing in VisualSVN.
  • Familiarize Your Team: Make sure your development team understands how to use the chosen SVN client effectively, to encourage seamless adoption.
  • Monitor Performance: Regularly check the performance and reliability of your SVN setup, whether self-hosted or third-party, and make adjustments as necessary to optimize collaboration.

Conclusion

Deploying Subversion (SVN) in a multi-site Windows environment, while daunting, can be simplified with the right tools and knowledge. By choosing between self-hosting or utilizing a third-party service, and by leveraging either TortoiseSVN or VisualSVN, your team can work collaboratively and efficiently, ensuring a smooth transition from Microsoft Source Safe.

Embrace SVN and elevate your version control system to new heights—your development process will thank you!