Version control integration with eclipse

Question

I'm looking for a version control system just for me on my windows computer to integrate into eclipse. I was thinking to use Mercurial instead of Subversion, but I'm having doubts about the mercurial eclipse plugin. Any input on this that you can help me with?

Is it worth it to have a version control system when you're working alone, how much is it going to complicate matters? I don't think I need a remote repository since it's just for me. And what is known to work well in eclipse?

Answer 1

Is it worth having a version control system for just yourself ? Absolutely. Why ?

1. You can retrieve old versions of code - for reference, to revert changes.
2. you can branch and tag to create different versions and checkpoint for releases.
3. Your continuous integration system (you do have one, don't you?) can tag successful builds, allowing you to identify particular intermediate builds.
4. You can record in the logs why you've changed stuff (as opposed to what you've changed), and meta-information surrounding those changes.

So version control isn't used to manage multiple developers, but rather to manage the codebase itself.

What works well in Eclipse ? I can vouch for Subversion. I've used that successfully for a couple of years. I'm not sure I'd use a distributed system like Mercurial, unless I was in the habit of (say) developing on a laptop on the move, and on a desktop at home.

Answer 2

I have used the Subclipse plugin for SVN and it worked like a charm. In regards to whether or not you need a version control system while working alone, it's still a good idea. It will save your version history and allow for easy rollbacks. Also, if you ever bring on another person to the project it will be easy to get them up and going.