How to use the command 'svn' (with examples)
The ‘svn’ command is the Subversion command-line client tool, which provides a set of commands to interact with Subversion repositories. Subversion is a version control system used for tracking changes in files and directories over time.
Use case 1: Check out a working copy from a repository
Code:
svn co url/to/repository
Motivation: Checking out a working copy from a repository is the initial step in using Subversion. By executing this command, you create a local copy of the repository, allowing you to make changes to the files and directories.
Explanation:
svn co: This is the command to check out a working copy from the repository.url/to/repository: This specifies the URL of the repository you want to check out from.
Example output:
Checked out revision 123.
Use case 2: Bring changes from the repository into the working copy
Code:
svn up
Motivation: By updating your working copy, you can ensure that it is up to date with the latest changes made in the repository. This command is useful when collaborating with other developers who might have made modifications since your last update.
Explanation:
svn up: This is the command to update your working copy with changes from the repository.
Example output:
At revision 456.
Use case 3: Put files and directories under version control
Code:
svn add PATH
Motivation: When working with Subversion, you need to explicitly add new files or directories to version control before they can be committed. This command schedules the specified PATH for addition, and they will be added to the repository in the next commit.
Explanation:
svn add: This is the command to add files and directories to version control.PATH: This specifies the path to the file or directory you want to add.
Example output:
A PATH/added_file.txt
A PATH/new_directory/
Use case 4: Send changes from your working copy to the repository
Code:
svn ci -m commit_log_message [PATH]
Motivation: Committing changes is necessary to save your modifications to the repository and make them available to other users. This command allows you to send the changes you made in your working copy to the repository.
Explanation:
svn ci: This is the command to commit changes to the repository.-m commit_log_message: This specifies the commit log message, which should briefly describe the changes made.[PATH](optional): This specifies the path to the file or directory you want to commit. If not provided, it commits all changes in the working copy.
Example output:
Sending PATH/modified_file.txt
Transmitting file data ...
Committed revision 789.
Use case 5: Display changes from the last 10 revisions
Code:
svn log -vl 10
Motivation: The ‘svn log’ command allows you to view the revision history of the repository. By specifying the ‘-vl 10’ option, you can limit the output to the last 10 revisions and display the modified files for each revision.
Explanation:
svn log: This is the command to view the revision history.-vl 10: This specifies that the output should contain the last 10 revisions with detailed information, including the modified files.
Example output:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
r789 | user1 | 2022-01-01 10:00:00 -0500 (Sat, 01 Jan 2022) | 1 line
Changed paths:
M /PATH/modified_file.txt
Commit message for revision 789.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
r678 | user2 | 2021-12-31 15:30:00 -0500 (Fri, 31 Dec 2021) | 2 lines
Changed paths:
A /PATH/new_file.txt
D /PATH/unused_file.txt
Commit message for revision 678.
...
Use case 6: Show detailed help
Code:
svn help
Motivation: When using the ‘svn’ command-line tool, it can be helpful to access the detailed help documentation to understand the various commands, options, and their usage.
Explanation:
svn help: This is the command to display the detailed help for the ‘svn’ command.
Example output:
usage: svn command [options] [args]
Subversion command-line client, version x.y.z.
Type 'svn help command' for help on a specific command.
...
