Version Control Ankhsvn

Is AnkhSVN a Good Choice for Version Control?

When it comes to version control, integration with your development environment can make a significant difference in productivity and workflow efficiency. AnkhSVN claims to provide that integration by working directly within Visual Studio. However, its reputation has been mixed among developers. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of AnkhSVN, comparing previous versions with the latest iterations, to help you decide whether this tool is right for you.

Understanding AnkhSVN

AnkhSVN is an open-source Subversion client designed to be integrated directly into Visual Studio. Its aim is to provide a seamless source control experience by allowing developers to manage their version control operations without having to leave their IDE.

The Early Days of AnkhSVN

Many users have experienced frustration with older versions of AnkhSVN. The versions before 2.0 were often criticized for instability and bugs that could disrupt the development environment (devenv). For instance, one developer reported that these older versions caused crashes and severely hampered their workflow, leaving them to rely on alternative solutions like TortoiseSVN for most operations other than reverting changes.

A New Beginning with AnkhSVN 2.0

With the release of AnkhSVN 2.0, developers saw a complete rewrite of the tool, implementing the Source Control API of Visual Studio. This major update aimed to address many of the pain points from previous iterations.

Key Improvements in AnkhSVN 2.0 and Beyond

  1. Stability: Users noted that the crashes that plagued earlier versions were significantly reduced. This is a vital improvement for anyone looking to work without interruptions.

  2. Performance: Actions like updates, commits, and browsing are now reported to be much faster compared to previous versions and alternatives like TortoiseSVN.

  3. User Interface: The new version not only looks better but also integrates more naturally into the development workflow, adding visual cues in the solution explorer.

Some Drawbacks Remain

While the improvements in AnkhSVN 2.0 are commendable, there are still a few areas of concern:

  • .sln File Footprint: AnkhSVN can add its metadata to .sln files, which could lead to issues for team members who don’t use Ankh. Keeping your project compatible across different environments is crucial.
  • Limited Features: Users still face limitations in specific functionalities like the “Show Changes” windows, which are capped at two instances, and there is no capability for editing or reverting changes yet.

Final Thoughts

After more extensive use of AnkhSVN, it has become clear that while it may not be a fully standalone solution, it complements other tools, particularly TortoiseSVN, effectively. It is an almost indispensable partner, especially for developers who crave a more integrated experience.

If you are considering integrating AnkhSVN into your workflow, weigh the performance and usability improvements against the limitations. Ultimately, your experience may depend heavily on your specific development needs and the complexity of your projects.

In conclusion, AnkhSVN has evolved from a troubled past to a tool that many find helpful, provided they are aware of its limitations. If you’re looking for a version control system integrated right into your IDE, it might be worth trying out.