TortoiseSVN

[Desktop Gaming]

Following on from the Data Backup thread without hijacking it...

Can anybody post an idiots guide to setting up and using TortoiseSVN? I just downloaded it to try it out and I didn't have a clue what I was doing - it seemed to just be making me create folders all over the place with nothing in them.

I've needed a good backup method for ages as I use several different PCs for development work, and by the sound of it TortoiseSVN is exactly what I need. I just can't figure out how to make it work properly!

[Backov]

First off, read the book: http://svnbook.red-bean.com/

Second, here's how you do it really quick.

Right click where you want the repository dir to go and click "Create Repository"

Get your project together and clean it (remove all unnecessary binaries)

Right click the project dir and click "Import..." - then choose the repository dir you just made. Once it's imported (if there's no file locks, so close VS or whatever first) then you browse the repository to see if it ended up where you want it.

Ok, it's still not under real subversion control, so the final step is to check the project out to another project directory. I usually end up with something like <ProjectName>SVN - this is the working local copy.

Delete your old project, or move it if you're feeling paranoid, and always work off your local working copy. I recommend deletion to avoid confusion with directories. When you're done for the day, or done a feature, whichever you prefer, right click the directory and click "commit" - all of the changed files will show up. This includes the binaries - I recommend you do not put the binaries (except art) under SVN control. Deselect the binaries and proceed. Voila, revision control.

Hope this helps.

[Desktop Gaming]

Certainly does - thanks Jason!

[Desktop Gaming]

Bloody hell, this is superb!

I don't know how I've got through the last six years without using this. Would have made my life a lot easier.

[tinjaw]

For those who may want to start learning about version control while having some training wheels on should check out FileHamster. (Although Subversion isn't difficult to use, it may be too much too fast for some to learn.)

[Nikos Beck]

Tortoise can create repositories? Does that work to create repositories on a Windows machine?

[Diragor]

Tortoise can create repositories? Does that work to create repositories on a Windows machine?

Yes it does, no Subversion server required for use only on the one machine.

EDIT: For anybody who thinks of creating a shared directory on a Windows machine to expose the repository to other machines without running a Subversion server, the documentation strongly cautions against that. The repository can become corrupted when accessed that way.

[Banditkills]

Try this:

http://awakenedmmo.org/wiki/How_to_g...th_our_project

It's a start up tutor i put together for my project. Obviously, it's designed for my project. But should give you a good guide. For the setup section.

[MrPhil]

Highly recommend cvsdude.com for keeping you repositories safe. They have the advantage of being in a different location, hands off backups and you can get to it from anywhere. I’ve been using them for years with zero problems.

[svero]

I eventually moved my repositories to my own server, but i used cvsdude for a while and I can also recommend them.