CVS
CVS (Concurrent Versions System) is a version control system that tracks changes to files and directories over time, enabling multiple developers to collaborate on software projects. It allows users to check out files, make modifications, and commit changes back to a central repository, maintaining a history of revisions. Originally developed in the 1980s, it was widely used for source code management before being largely superseded by more modern systems.
Developers should learn CVS primarily for maintaining or contributing to legacy projects that still use it, as it remains in use in some older systems and organizations. It provides foundational concepts in version control, such as branching, merging, and conflict resolution, which are transferable to newer tools. However, for new projects, it is generally recommended to use more advanced alternatives due to CVS's limitations in handling binary files and lack of atomic commits.