Summary: A Version Control System (VCS) tracks changes to source code, helping developers collaborate, manage updates, and restore previous versions when needed. In software escrow, VCS ensures that licensees receive up-to-date, functional code if vendors can no longer support it.
- Definition: VCS tracks changes in software code over time, enabling collaboration and rollback if necessary.
- How It Works: Automatically records changes (commits), tracks authorship, and manages multiple versions.
- Use Cases:
- Reverting buggy code
- Resolving coding conflicts in teams
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards
- Restoring deleted files
- Streamlining software updates
- VCS & Software Escrow:
- Keeps escrowed source code current and deployable
- Provides transparency into development history
- Helps ensure software continuity for licensees
- Technical Verification: Confirms that escrowed code is functional at the time of release.
For secure source code management, EscrowTech offers escrow solutions with version control and verification.
Most software developers have some experience utilizing Version Control Systems (VCS). These systems provide a seamless way to track changes made in source code over time, no matter how small.
However, Version Control Systems can benefit more than just software programmers and developers. In a source code escrow arrangement, software licensees can benefit from careful version tracking, too. Version Control Systems ensure that code placed in escrow is always up-to-date and ready for deployment. This provides the assurance that mission-critical solutions will be current and bug-free if release conditions are met.
In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of Version Control Systems and how they work for a non-expert audience. Read on to understand how VCS benefits all parties involved in a technology escrow agreement.
Version Control System: A Definition
Version Control System Meaning: A Version Control System (VCS) is a tool that tracks changes to software code over time. It allows developers to collaborate, manage updates, and revert to previous versions if necessary.
In the context of software escrow, a VCS ensures that the most current and complete version of the source code is accessible. If the vendor can no longer support a piece of software, licensees will be assured that their solution is up-to-date and deployable.
How Version Control Systems Work: An Overview
Have you ever used a word processor’s “Track Changes” or “Version History” features?
The Track Changes feature allows you to keep a record of every change you make in a document. You’ll have an accurate record whether you move a comma, correct a typo, or add thousands of words of text.
The Version History feature automatically saves backups of previous versions of your document. You can revert to a previous draft with a click of a button. You can also simply reference previous drafts to compare recent changes.
Version Control Systems provide the same sort of tracking and assurance for programmers and developers. They track changes and create an accessible version history for source code.
However, rather than manually saving different copies of your document, a VCS automatically records changes. Each saved version is called a commit. Developers can add notes to describe what changed in between commits. This is helpful for achieving seamless communication when working on a development team.
Furthermore, a VCS keeps a history of who made which changes and when. It is also capable of saving different versions of the same source code and merging them together. Both of these features make collaboration seamless. They ensure that a lack of communication cannot “break” source code in a way that cannot be fixed.
Version Control System Examples
If you aren’t involved in back-end development, it may be difficult to understand why VCS is crucial. Below, we’ve provided a few Version Control System examples. These scenarios demonstrate why and how programmers and developers depend on these solutions. Furthermore, they’ll shed light on why licensees benefit from VCS, too.
Introducing Bugs
When working on source code, a developer might realize that a change inadvertently introduced a bug into the software. Version Control allows the programmer to revert to a bug-free version of the code without losing progress.
Resolving Conflicts
Sometimes programmers or developers work in teams. In some cases, two developers may (inadvertently or intentionally) make changes to the same file. A Version Control System will highlight any conflicts, making finding a resolution seamless.
Maintaining Regulatory Compliance
Some industries must follow strict compliance standards, including access control and security standards. With a Version Control System, vendors can provide a history of all code changes, including who made them and when. This is often enough to satisfy regulatory bodies and maintain compliance.
Restoring Deleted Files
In some cases, a critical file may accidentally be deleted. A Version Control System maintains a record of all changes made to source code. If necessary, the deleted file can be fully restored and reintegrated without incident.
Streamlining Updates
A piece of software might undergo many changes, including updates and improvements, over time. A development team can use a Version Control System to integrate new code for existing licensees automatically. That ensures crucial software updates are deployed seamlessly.
In essence, VCS ensures software integrity, security, and traceability. It is a net positive for developers and end-users alike.
Version Control Systems and Source Code Escrow
A software escrow service acts as a neutral third party in a software escrow agreement. Their role is to hold and release source code to a licensee under predefined conditions. Conditions might include vendor bankruptcy or a failure to maintain the software.
If release conditions are met, licensees expect to receive a current, complete, deployable copy of the source code. This ensures seamless business continuity, allowing licensees to continue all mission-critical operations. Both vendors and escrow agents utilize Version Control Systems. It’s a way to ensure escrowed source code meets the terms of the agreement.
In essence, a Version Control System:
- Ensures the escrowed source code is always up-to-date.
- Confirms escrowed source code accurately reflects the software’s most current state.
- Logs and commit histories to provide transparency into the software’s development progress.
- Establishes that a verified and functional version of the software is securely stored.
Many escrow agents also offer technical verification services. Technical verification provides an additional layer of peace of mind.
During the process, a technical expert will confirm that any updated source code functions as expected. You’ll receive documentation that your source code was functional on a given date and time. This may help vendors avoid arbitration.
Secure Your Mission-Critical Source Code with EscrowTech
Are you curious about whether source code escrow is the right option for protecting your mission-critical data? Learn more about the process in our Software Escrow Fundamentals guide.