Apache Subversion vs Darcs
Apache Subversion
subversion.apache.orgDarcs
darcs.netSide by side
| Figure | Apache Subversion | Darcs |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Version Control Software | 8.4 (#11) | 8.8 (#3) |
| Platforms | The project distributes source code and lists third-party binary packages for Windows, macOS, Linux distributions, and other operating systems. | The download page lists binaries for Windows and Intel Mac OS X, with Linux and BSD distribution packages or source-build instructions also described. |
| Security | The project directs vulnerability reports to the Apache Software Foundation security process and publishes a list of past advisories. | The download page provides checksums alongside the listed Windows and Intel Mac binaries. |
| Support | The project offers community support through user and developer mailing lists; binary packages are maintained by volunteers or their respective projects, not officially endorsed or maintained by Subversion. | The FAQ directs unanswered questions to the darcs-users mailing list or the #darcs IRC channel. |
Plans
In their own words
Apache Subversion
Apache Subversion is a free, open-source centralized version control system for individual users through large enterprise operations. It versions directories, files and free-form key/value properties, with atomic commits that apply only when the complete change succeeds. Branches and tags use copy operations with a small, constant space requirement, while merge tracking assists changes between development lines. File locking is optional, and selected files can require a lock before editing. Repositories can be served through Apache HTTP Server using WebDAV/DeltaV, or through the standalone svnserve server, including SSH tunneling. Subversion supports Windows, macOS and Linux, with API and self-hosted deployment options. It offers native large-file handling, sparse checkout and nested repositories. TortoiseSVN and Eclipse or NetBeans integrations are identified as separate third-party projects rather than core features. The project publishes source code, while binary packages are maintained by volunteers or other projects. Community support comes through user and developer mailing lists. Archived releases outside currently supported versions lack community support, and experimental features in the 1.14 release notes carry no backward-compatibility promise.
Darcs
Darcs is a free, open-source version control system for Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted deployment. It organizes work around patches, or changes, instead of snapshots. Every working directory is its own repository, allowing users to record changes offline and push them to another repository later. Interactive commands let users select changes for a patch, pull individual changes, and edit or discard a patch before sending it. Branching works by pushing and pulling between repositories, with each repository treated as a branch. The darcs send command supports email collaboration, so maintainers can accept or reject proposed patches without granting commit privileges. The project names hub.darcs.net and darcsweb for repository hosting. Darcs is written in Haskell and can be installed through Cabal, Stack, Nix, platform binaries, or a source tarball. It is volunteer-run and a Software Freedom Conservancy member.