gary@apexepa.UUCP (Gary Wisniewski) (08/05/88)
Does anyone out there have a comprehensive version control mode for GNU Emacs?
The ideal would be an Emacs extension which understands the RCS file format.
It would keep permanently checked-out (read-only) versions of all files,
but perform edits on the RCS file itself. The Emacs extension would contain
the RCS 'ci' and 'co' code in lisp form and would contain nice amenities
like:
- The ability to browse previous versions much like
RMAIL-summary works for browsing mail.
- The ability to visually compare versions.
- Easy viewing of version tags and the version hierarchy.
Since any type of file can be subject to version control, this sounds like
a (rather sophisticated) minor mode.
I currently have a moderately useful extension which traps C-c C-s (or any
other type of buffer save) and brings up an RCS-log buffer so that changes
can be summarized. These summaries are accumulated in per-file logfiles
and I have some shell scripts to update RCS files accordingly when I decide
the changes should stick.
I personally enjoy the advantages of good version control systems, but
I also think it takes a stiff constitution for someone to use them
effectively. The best version control systems are part of an integrated
environment (like GNU Emacs).
I would be interested to hear anyone's thoughts on this subject. Does anyone
have the version control dream-system?
I would also be interested in pooling lisp code with others who are interested
in developing an excellent RCS-based VCS to contribute to GNU.
--
Gary J. Wisniewski Apex Software Corporation
{allegra,bellcore,cadre}!pitt!darth!apexepa!gary Phone: (412) 681-4343