Understanding SVN Result Codes: A Quick Reference Guide

Subversion, commonly abbreviated as SVN, is a powerful version control system used by developers to manage changes to source code and collaborate on projects. One of the essentials for navigating SVN is understanding the various result codes that indicate the status of files in your working copy. In this blog post, we’ll break down these result codes to provide you with a clear, concise reference.

The Importance of Result Codes in SVN

When working with SVN, knowing the status of your files is crucial. These result codes help you understand changes that have occurred within your working copy in relation to the repository. This knowledge enables developers to take appropriate actions, whether it involves resolving conflicts, confirming modifications, or understanding the state of files.

Common SVN Result Codes Explained

Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly encountered result codes in SVN, along with their meanings:

• U: Working file was updated
  This indicates that your local copy of the file has been updated to reflect changes made in the repository.

• G: Changes on the repo were automatically merged into the working copy
  This status shows that the system has automatically merged changes into your working copy.

• M: Working copy is modified
  Your local changes to this file have not yet been committed to the repository.

• C: This file conflicts with the version in the repo
  There are conflicting changes between your local file and the repository version. You’ll need to resolve these conflicts before proceeding.

• ?: This file is not under version control
  This indicates that the file is present in the directory but is not being tracked by SVN.

• !: This file is under version control but is missing or incomplete
  This means that the system can’t find this file in the working copy.

• A: This file will be added to version control (after commit)
  This indicates that the file is staged to be added to the repository in the next commit.

• A+: This file will be moved (after commit)
  Like ‘A’, this indicates that the file is marked for moving in the next commit.

• D: This file will be deleted (after commit)
  This means that the file has been scheduled for deletion from version control in your next commit.

• S: File or directory switched
  This indicates that the file or directory’s path has changed due to an svn switch command.

• I: Ignored
  This status indicates that the file is intentionally omitted from version control.

• X: External definition
  This indicates a reference to an external repository or piece of the repository under version control.

• ~: Type changed
  This means that the type of the file has changed (e.g., from a file to a directory).

• R: Item replaced in your working copy
  This signifies that the file has been scheduled for deletion and a new file with the same name is scheduled for addition in its place.

• L: Item is locked
  This means that the item is currently locked and cannot be modified until it is unlocked.

• E: Item existed
  This indicates that an item was created or modified through an svn update command.

Conclusion

Understanding these result codes will significantly enhance your ability to work efficiently with SVN. They’ll help you identify the state of your files and direct your next steps in managing version control. For further detailed reading, consider checking out the SVN Book here.

Whether you are new to version control or looking to refresh your knowledge, this quick reference guide to SVN result codes is intended to support you throughout your development journey.