Darcs vs VisualSVN Server

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.

VisualSVN Server is a Windows server for hosting Apache Subversion repositories. A single installation package sets up the server, which works with Apache Subversion clients and stores repositories in the standard format. Its web interface searches repository contents and history across folders and revisions, with continuous indexing of new revisions. VDFS replicates repositories between geographically distributed sites, where they remain writable. Backup and Restore supports hot backups and scheduled repository checks. In Active Directory environments, users can sign in with Windows credentials using Kerberos V5 or NTLM; two-factor authentication and smart cards are also supported. Administration tools include an MMC console and PowerShell cmdlets. The server can record HTTP requests and Subversion operations in the Windows Event Log and temporarily block IP addresses after repeated authentication failures. The Community plan is free for commercial use, with unlimited repositories and up to 15 users. Paid perpetual licenses start at $55, paid once; Enterprise plans are listed at $350, paid once. Windows Server 2012 R2–2025 and Windows 8.1 or later are listed as supported operating systems.