GNU RCS

Spec sheet

Purpose

GNU RCS manages multiple revisions of files and automates storing, retrieving, logging, identifying, and merging revisions.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org

Support

The project lists bug-rcs for bug reports and help-rcs for feature requests and user support.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org

License

GNU RCS is free software under the GNU General Public License, version 3 or, at the user's option, any later version.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org

Binary files

RCS can handle binary files, although functionality is reduced for them.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org

Commands

A normal installation includes ci, co, ident, merge, rcs, rcsclean, rcsdiff, rcsmerge, and rlog.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org

Comparison engine

RCS uses GNU Diffutils to find differences between versions.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org

Concurrency limit

RCS works with versions stored on a single filesystem or machine and edited by one person at a time.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org

Development

The project describes GNU RCS development as a volunteer effort and points to Savannah for development sources and issue trackers.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org

Documentation

The GNU RCS manual is available online in multiple formats, including HTML, ASCII text, and PDF.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org

History storage

RCS stores a full copy of the most recent version and reverse differences called deltas for earlier versions.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org

Release

The project page lists version 5.10.1, released on 2022-02-02, as its latest release.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org

Security reports

The project says security reports that should not be made public immediately can be sent directly to the maintainer.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org

Use cases

The project describes RCS as useful for frequently revised text such as source code, programs, documentation, graphics, papers, and form letters.Read 11 Oct 2026 · gnu.org

Plans and prices

Every GNU RCS plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• Version Control Software#47 of 627.3