Distributed Version Control System (DVCS)

Definition - What does Distributed Version Control System (DVCS) mean?

A distributed version control system (DVCS) is a version control system that operates on a distributed hardware principle or, in some other distributed computing systems, like a virtual network.

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Techopedia explains Distributed Version Control System (DVCS)

With a distributed version control system (DVCS), different revisions of files are tracked throughout the distributed system. This may necessitate specific strategies for consistency so that collaborators or other users know what is happening to files at any given point in time. For example, a popular type of DVCS involves using a repository as an intermediary between workstations and servers. The repository holds revised file versions, and the software system periodically checks with the repository for consistency purposes.

The essential idea of a DVCS is to be able to track changes to individual files or documents. Different tracking measures work differently to allow transparent research into how specific files have changed and when they have changed. Some IT experts talk about a "push/pull" process where information is exchanged between servers and other components in order to help keep file versions in the system modern and consistent.