Source Control Beyond Git: Alternatives and Use Cases
Source Control Beyond Git: Alternatives and Use Cases Git dominates many teams, but it is not the only option. Different projects have different needs, and a tool that works well for one group may feel heavy for another. Centralized history, closer auditing, or strong asset handling are common requirements that Git alone does not always optimize. Common alternatives include Subversion, Mercurial, and Perforce. Subversion (SVN) provides a centralized model with clear access controls and straightforward history, which helps teams that work within strict corporate or regulatory environments. Mercurial aims for a simple, predictable workflow and a gentle learning curve, making onboarding smoother for some teams. Perforce, known as Helix Core, handles very large codebases and assets well, with strong tooling for large teams, streaming workspaces, and granular licensing. Each option has tradeoffs in speed, scalability, and ecosystem. ...