BitKeeper is a distributed source control management (SCM) system that was originally developed by Larry McVoy at BitMover Inc. Here is a detailed overview:
History and Development
- Origin: BitKeeper was first introduced in 1998 as a proprietary software with the aim to provide a more efficient alternative to existing version control systems like CVS and RCS.
- Linux Kernel: It gained significant notoriety when it was used for the development of the Linux kernel from 2002 until 2005. During this period, BitKeeper was offered to the kernel development community for free under a special license agreement.
- Open Source Transition: The relationship with the Linux kernel community ended when the special license was withdrawn after a dispute involving the violation of the license terms. This event was one of the catalysts for the creation of Git, which was developed by Linus Torvalds to replace BitKeeper for kernel development.
Features
- Distributed Version Control: Like other modern SCM systems, BitKeeper allows for distributed development, where every developer has a full copy of the entire repository.
- Binary Files: It has robust support for managing binary files, which was one of its key selling points over systems like CVS that were less efficient with binaries.
- Change Sets: BitKeeper uses change sets, which group related changes together, making it easier to manage and review modifications.
- Repository Access Control: It includes tools for managing access to the repository, providing detailed control over who can see or modify code.
Usage
While BitKeeper is not as widely used today as it once was, particularly in the open-source world due to its proprietary nature, it still has its niche:
- Commercial Use: It remains in use in some commercial environments where the need for strong binary file support or proprietary development control is paramount.
- Legacy Systems: Some legacy systems continue to use BitKeeper due to the investment in tools, scripts, and workflows built around it.
Controversies
- Licensing Issue: The primary controversy was the revocation of the license for the Linux kernel development team, which led to the development of Git.
- Open Source vs. Proprietary: The debate over the use of proprietary software for open-source development projects was highlighted by this situation.
Current Status
As of the last update, BitKeeper continues to be developed and maintained by BitMover Inc., although its influence in the open-source community has diminished significantly. It remains available for purchase for commercial use.
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See Also: