CVS, the Concurrent Versions System, is the popular source-code management tool that frees developers from the chaos that too often ensues when multiple users work on the same file. An open source technology that is available on most computer platforms, including Windows® and Mac OS® X, CVS is widely used to manage program code, web site content, and to track changes made to system configuration files. Multiple users can check out files from a directory tree, make changes, and then commit those changes back into the directory. If two developers modify the same file, CVS enables both sets of changes to be merged together into one final file. Although CVS is a lifesaver in many development scenarios, it suffers from poor documentation. But with Essential CVS, developers can have it all: the order that CVS brings and the comprehensive documentation developers need. Essential CVS is a complete and easy-to-follow reference that helps programmers and system administrators apply order to the task of managing large quantities of documents. The book covers basic concepts and usage of CVS, and features a comprehensive reference for CVS commands--including a handy Command Reference Card for quick, on-the-job checks. The book also includes advanced information on all aspects of CVS that involve automation, logging, branching and merging, and "watches." Readers will find in-depth coverage of the following:

• Installing CVS and building your first repository

• Basic use of CVS, including importing projects, checking out projects, committing changes, and updating projects

• Tagging, branching and merging

• Working with multiple users

• Clients, operating systems, and IDEs

• Repository management and managing remote repositories

• Project administration, including bug tracking systems, enforcing log messages, history and annotation, and more.

• Troubleshooting

Version control is essential to maintaining order in any project, large or small. Any CVS user, from beginners to team leaders and system administrators, will find this practical guide to CVS indispensable in getting the most from this valuable tool.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 17 Ratings

Well written, good coverage of CVS - 2006-12-13
Reviewer Rating:
This is an excellent introduction if you are new revision control or CVS. The configuration and command reference sections are helpful if you are an experienced CVS user. The author clearly knows her subject well and offers plenty of tips and war stories throughout the text.

The book focusses primarily on Unix CVS servers, so if you plan to run on a Windows server, you will have to do a little more digging. Otherwise, this should be all you need install, configure, use, and even build CVS.

Madhu Siddalingaiah

Good book to establish version control - 2007-12-31
Reviewer Rating:
This is a good book if you are looking to establish version control with CVS. It covers the most common usage and the advanced usages are presented in an understandable format.

VERY VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! - 2007-06-07
Reviewer Rating:
Are you a software developer tracking different versions of the same code? If you are, then this book is for you. Author Jennifer Vesperman, has done an outstanding job of writing a book that is current for both the stable and feature tracks of CVS.

Vesperman, begins with an overview of CVS. Then, the author explains how to build and use a basic CVS repository with the default settings and a minimum of extras. Next, she explains the everyday CVS commands and concepts. The author also explains tagging and branching, including why and when to tag or branch your project, tagging before releases, and using branching to create a bug fix version of a project. She continues by explaining the systems used in CVS to permit multiple developers to work on the same project without loss of data. Then, the author discusses repository management and the modules in the repository. Next, she covers the tools used by project administrators. The author then discusses security considerations, methods of remote access, and how to set up each method. She continues by providing examples of things that can go wrong when using CVS and how to fix them. Then, the author provides a list of CVS commands. Finally, the author covers CVS administrative files.

This most excellent book is complete and easy-to-follow reference that helps you apply order to the task of managing a large quantity of documents. Perhaps more importantly, this book has been expanded to explain common usage's of CVS for system administrators, project managers, writers, and anyone else who has to manage files that change often.

Wonderful Overview and Guide - 2007-05-10
Reviewer Rating:
Every developer and person interested in using version control should have this book on their shelf. This nice, consolidated book provides a clear overview of the core functionality contained within CVS.

From administration to daily usage, this guide will provide you with just what the title promises: the essentials.

The core competencies of this book are rooted in base usage and base administration. I agree with other reviews stating that things such as branch merging are not covered in a manner to call this the "definitive guide", but they are straying from the point of the book! The book is rooted in the essentials, the common tasks, etc. etc. etc. I was not expecting it to cover issues such as that which would obviously take another 100 to 200 pages to explain thoroughly.

You need to keep in mind that this is THE book to start or settle down with. It will provide you will all the answers and information you need to your everyday tasks as well as point you to references where more information can be obtained.

This is yet another shining example of O'Reilly's dedication of excellent publications.

A complete reference and guide - 2007-02-03
Reviewer Rating:
Jennifer Vesperman's ESSENTIAL CVS 2nd Edition is a complete reference and guide to managing large numbers of documents. Any company which faces repeated modifications and updates of documents knows the challenge of keeping track of changing versions: CVS makes this job a snap, and ESSENTIAL CVS simplifies the process with a quickstart guide, advanced coverage for technical management programming from release tagging to branching, and a quick reference card for ongoing use. Computer collections will find it a winning pick.

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