List of Top Version Control Software 2023

What is Version Control Software?

Version control software manages, tracks, and records changes to software code. It enables software development teams to collaborate on projects and make changes to the same code. Developers work simultaneously through the use of branches (private files), isolating the code and protecting their work. The branches are merged to finalize the update. If conflicts are identified during the merge process, the software provides tools to resolve them.

The reason for the code change, who made the change, when the change was made, and a description of the change are recorded with the updated source code. Code changes and branches are stored in a repository. This history provides the ability to revert to a previous version of the software. When errors are introduced into production systems, examining the history of code changes helps debug problems associated with new code implementations.

Version control software contributes to governance, risk, and compliance requirements. It is used by DevOps, software designers, developers, coders, engineers, and project managers. Although version control software is commonly used for source code control, it can be deployed for any digital asset, such as an image, document, or database schema.

This software is most effective when it integrates with version control clients and version control hosting software.

Version control clients use GUIs to enhance version control features and increase productivity, making the controls more flexible and easier to use. These clients interact with repositories and track projects. They manage multiple branches and merge code conflicts through branch visualization and visual repository management.

Version control hosting software hosts multiple code repositories in the cloud, integrating with multiple version control clients and version control systems. This allows developers to collaborate in real-time.

Version control software also integrates with Build Automation Tools, Integrated Development Environment (IDE) Software, and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) Solutions.

Version Control Software Features

Version control software includes many of these features:

• Track, record, preserve, view, and compare source code changes
• Capture the “who, what, when, and why” information about the update
• Work on same code at the same time
• Code branching, code isolation
• Merge branches, identify and resolve merge code conflicts
• Facilitate code versioning comparisons
• Progress tracking
• Revert to previous versions
• Code repository, digital repository, backup, and recovery
• Role-based access and controls
• Integrates with IDE, Build Automation, and PaaS systems

Version Control Software Comparison

Consider the following when purchasing version control software:

Integrations: To get the most out of version control software, you should add a version control client and version control hosting software to your DevOps environment. Evaluate how well your selection will integrate with existing IDE, Build Automation, or PaaS systems.

DevOps: Version control is included in DevOps platforms.

Open-Source: If you select an open-source version control software, ensure that it meets your standards for security and scalability.

Pricing Information

Version control software for small teams and open-source products are free. Large businesses or enterprise-scale organizations will have to obtain a price quote. Contact the vendor to determine if you can receive a free trial.

Version Control Software Best Of Awards

The following Version Control Software offer award-winning customer relationships, feature sets, and value for price. Learn more about our Winter Best Of Awards methodology here.