Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!clyde.concordia.ca!uunet!tellab5!segel
From: segel@tellab5.tellabs.com (Mike Segel)
Newsgroups: comp.unix.questions
Subject: Re: RCS vs. SCCS
Message-ID: <2265@tellab5.tellabs.com>
Date: 19 Mar 90 18:35:07 GMT
References: <1990Mar15.204111.4923@csmil.umich.edu>
Reply-To: segel@tellab5.UUCP (Mike Segel)
Organization: BALR @ Tellabs, Inc. Lisle IL
Lines: 36

In article <1990Mar15.204111.4923@csmil.umich.edu> holtz@csmil.umich.edu () writes:
>
>What are the differences between RCS and SCCS?

Sorry about that, my News hiccuped ....

The difference is two fold.

1) RCS uses backwards Deltas. This means that the latest
   version contains the actual code and the earlier versions
   are actually the delta, or changes made over the course of 
   development.

   SCCS uses forward deltas. This means that when you "check in"
   a piece of code, the original is stored, and the later copies
   are really deltas based on the original.

   Backward deltas actually make the retrieval of a stored file
   faster. (Especially as time goes on and many revisions are made)

2) SCCS comes standard with BSD and SYS V Unix. RCS is 
   public domain and has to be installed by an individual.


I personally feel that RCS is easier and better, but some
people object to the fact that since it is not std, don't 
use it. Which ever you choose, use it. It can save a lot of 
headaches.

-Mike Segel
Consultant, BALR
Oakbrook, Illinois

segel@balr.com
segel@tellabs.com
segel@quanta.eng.ohio-state.edu