Steps on how to choose and set up a version control system?

Get Started
1

I need to set up some kind of version control for my web development.

I am familiar with the broad concepts but not the details. I’ve never used one. I do not know how to install one. I do not know the differences or pros/cons of SVN vs. Mercurial vs. something else.

My goal is to track my versions and be able to access my development from different locations. I use a PC and a Mac and so I may need to install something on both machines.

Can anyone offer me any simple steps or offer some clarity?

2

Here’s a recent discussion on the topic which may be useful: http://www.sitepoint.com/forums/general-development-issues-140/version-control-software-774601.html

3

Thanks for the link. I’m reading it now. However it still seems to gloss over a lot of details I still need to learn. I rather green behind the ears.

4

I downloaded “Git” and installed it (to my understanding) - Git - Fast Version Control System

I have no clue what to do next. I’m unfamiliar with using terminal on the mac. I grew up on DOS and Basic.

5

If you are using Github, they now have an app for the mac: Github for the mac… It’s graphical and doesn’t require any terminal work.

6

Check what is supported by your IDE. I used SVN, and earlier CVS, because there are good plugins for Eclipse.