Source Code Control Models

In centralized source code control, a project exists in a single central repository, usually on a server. Users create a local repository on a client where they make modifications to the project, then upload their changes directly to the central repository.

Apache Subversion® (SVN) is one example of an open-source system using the centralized model.

In distributed source code control, a project exists in a single central repository. Clients have two local repositories: a clone of the central repository and a working repository where users make modifications. Users submit modifications to the working repository often during development. When users finish development work, they push their changes to the central repository.

Git™ is one example of an open-source system using the distributed model.