keeping multiple version of files and getting rid of redunda

[Adek336]

Hi!

In the programming world, I often make backup copies for later use, but often only perhaps a 30 lines change from version to version and if I just back it up, all the other lines get saved multiple times!

However, could I just keep the oldest version of the file and then keep a differential description of the next version as seen from the previous, something like diff, and later use a simple program which would restore the whole file from such differnce entries? That would not be very useful for backing up (only one copy of the whole) but it would be good for keeping track of changes, just think of it!

Cheers ;D

Adrian.

[Candy]

However, could I just keep the oldest version of the file and then keep a differential description of the next version as seen from the previous, something like diff, and later use a simple program which would restore the whole file from such differnce entries? That would not be very useful for backing up (only one copy of the whole) but it would be good for keeping track of changes, just think of it!

It's the basis of CVS and SVN etc. so I think you might be on to some good idea.

[Solar]

Any version control system does that, actually, and for "traditional" VCS like CVS and SVN, exactly in the way you described. "Previous art", so to speak.

[Adek336]

oh my.. well I certainly was wondering from time to time what cvs/subversion are for.. and now I know ;D cheers it works like a wonder

[mystran]

Version control indeed is a must. Don't ever take a job anywhere without first making sure they use version control. Trust me, it's not worth it.