Data Version Control: A Comparison of Top 8 Data Version Control Tools (2022)

Version control tools are necessary as they track any code developments or changes so that if the new version doesn’t work, we can switch to the older one. These tools become a necessity in the workplace where you require multiple developers to work on the same code. As per a recent survey by Devops.com, 50% of the people feel that version control tools improve collaboration, support distributed teams, help build better quality codes, and provide enhanced CI.

The following article will provide an upbeat comparison of the best data version control tools for 2022. So, if you are looking for one, you can settle in and scroll through to find the one that fits the qualities you are looking for.

Comparison of Top 8 Data Version Control Tools (2022)

1. CVS

You can handle several source code versions using CVS (Concurrent Version System). With CVS, you only have one copy of your source code files, unlike with other technologies. It instead maintains a single code copy while documenting all changes. Sharing version files through a shared repository on the platform makes it simple for your team to work together. Data control tools like CVS have gotten listed as 32 fundamental best practices for the team’s high performance in the Operations Report Card.

Pros

1. High reliability because it forbids commits that contain mistakes
2. Code reviews are simple because they record changes made to the code.

Cons

1. It takes a lot of time to work on this software.
2. Users can use only repositories to store files.

2.  Git

It is linked to a version control program that is open source as well as free. This app allows you to host your data on locally saved folders called repositories using this distributed source control system.

All files in the local repository, which users may also keep online, are accessible to your team. A branch is a copy of a specific capability in Git, and each has a history. When you combine them via pull requests, it becomes part of the leading project. The latest survey found that 93% of developers use Git to review their code.

Pros

1. Enables flexible processes or workflows that work for you.
2. There is an option of keeping the work private, so you can fully experiment.
3. You can also protect your data instantly by identifying data fraud.

Cons

1. The process of learning seems to be intimidating and severe.
2. It necessitates that you make many decisions to put changes into effect.

3.  DoltHub

The first and only SQL database with forking, cloning, branching, merging, pushing, and pulling capabilities is called Dolt. This database version control tool is called Dolt. Git for data is Dolt.

Dolt uses table rows rather than files to implement the Git command line and related activities. SQL is used to change the working set’s data and schema. You commit a functional set version when you want to keep it around forever. Git writing actions (such as commit, merge) are implemented as stored procedures in SQL, while read operations (such as diff, log) are implemented as system tables. Data debugging between versions is manageable because Dolt produces cell-wise diffs and merges. The only SQL database with merges and branches is Dolt.

Pros

1. It is a database that facilitates fine-grained value-based version control, where all modifications to the data and schema are recorded in a commit log.
2. Additionally, it contains primitives for version control that function at the table cell level.

Cons

1. It doesn’t provide access control.

4.    Mercurial (Hg)

A distributed source control management solution with an easy-to-use interface, Mercurial (Hg) is free and open-source. It is a platform-independent tool created in Python. However, since users cannot edit previous commits, it lacks change control.

Pros

1. A quick, simple-to-use gadget that doesn’t need upkeep.
2. It offers enhanced security capabilities.
3. For non-technical contributors, good documentation facilitates their work.

Cons

1. Compared to other database version control solutions, less adaptable
2. Only two parent profiles are permitted.

5.  HelixCore

The version control program from Perforce is called HelixCore. Through the tracking and management of changes to source code and other data, it streamlines the development of complicated products. HelixCore is highly scalable and makes it simple to look into changing history. Your configuration changes are branched and merged using the Streams feature.

Pros

1. It includes a built-in command-line tool.
2. the capacity to integrate with external tools
3. Several verifications and access features for improved protection

Cons

1. Complex user management and workflow are involved.
2. It can become pricey since greater resource provisions are required.

6.  LakeFS

This is an open-source data version tool, you can grow your data to Petabytes with S3 or GCS sources available. It adheres to an ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability) compliant branching and committing procedure similar to Git. In this approach, you may quickly generate, integrate, and roll back modifications that you make in private and in isolation.

Pros

1. Large data lakes are enabled through seamless scalability.
2. Permits version control during the stages of development and production
3. Combines cloud storage with cutting-edge features like ACID transactions.

Cons

1. Its features will change frequently because it is a new product.
2. It must be integrated with other tools.

7.  LiquidBase

Liquibase is a database version control solution that relies on migrations and uses changelog capability to keep track of database updates. Its XML-based changeset definitions let you use the database schema on various database platforms. This app has two versions, an open source, and a premium.

Pros

1. Targeted rollbacks are possible to undo modifications.
2. Many types of databases are supported
3. Allows for the specification of updates in a variety of forms, including SQL, XML, and YAML

Cons

1. The version with advanced features is the only one that is available.
2. To use the tool more effectively, a lot of time and effort is required.

8.  TFS

Microsoft offers a version control system called TFS, or team foundation server. It uses a distributed client-server repository approach and a proprietary license. Through Visual Studio Team Services, it offers Windows, cross-platform OS support (VSTS).

Pros

1. Simple to administer. strong interaction with other Microsoft programs and recognizable user interfaces.
2. Permits team builds continuous integration and integration of unit tests.
3. Excellent support for operations like merging and branching.
4. Create your own check-in rules to help your source control system build a steady and reliable codebase.

Cons

1. Continual merge conflicts.
2. There must always be a connection to the central repository.
3. Pull, check-in, and branching processes are all quite sluggish.

Conclusion

We spoke about the top version control programs in this article. As we’ve seen, each instrument has unique defining qualities, advantages, and disadvantages. Some of them were paid tools, while others were open source.

Some work well with the small business model, while others work well with big business. We would suggest you choose from CVS, Git, and DoltHub, as they are one of the best version control tools.

Therefore, after analyzing the benefits and cons of each instrument, you must select the one that best suits your needs.