Tracking versions with SCCS

Tracking versions with SCCS

The Source Code Control System, SCCS, is a set of programs that you can use to track evolving versions of files, ordinary text files as well as source files. SCCS takes custody of a file and, when changes are made, identifies and stores them in the file with the original source code and/or documentation. As other changes are made, they too are identified and retained in the file.

Retrieval of the original or any set of changes is possible. Any version of the file as it develops can be reconstructed for inspection or additional modification. History information can be stored with each version: why the changes were made, who made them, and when they were made.

This topic covers the following topics:

basics: creating, retrieving, and updating an SCCS file
delta numbering: how versions of an SCCS file are named
SCCS command conventions: what rules apply to SCCS commands
SCCS commands: the 14 SCCS commands and their more useful arguments
SCCS files: protection, format, and auditing of SCCS files