Version Control Safety

[Chris Johnston]

Hi, I have just learned some things about version control. I find the concepts very useful, thing I have needed for a long time. I am using SourceTree for my version control program. I am interested in trying the Git GUI program as well. My question is when using version control software do you risk corrupting you file? I tested SourceTree on a FileMaker solution (file) I have. It worked, it made versions and I can revert to different ones. Is this absolutely safe for the file? It feels safe with text, because you see the content but with binary files it is non-evident how it makes the changes. This makes me feel like I could lose or corrupt the file. Also it makes me feel like I could hear a company like FileMaker or Adobe say “we don’t support that!”. Thanks

[Chris Johnston]

That helps more in understanding. I take it that VCS means Version Control System, funny how it also could be acronym for question title. I see how it can be very useful and help you keep version to be safe. I was just making sure that certain files that don't have a typical save process will not develop problems. I will continue to research as I use an develop with VCS' and SourceTree (I am loving it already). Your input is greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Gabor Nagy _Midori_]

Of course version control systems will not corrupt your file, they are used in mission critical software for many years in all noticeable software companies.

On the contrary: they will make sure you never loose a file you ever committed, you can get them back even years later. Some VCS' make it even close to impossible to remove any change from the history after committing it. So using a VCS for development is absolutely recommended, moreover, it is an absolute must if you do not want to loose your work 

VCS' differ in their capabilities in handling large binary files: some are better, some are not but they are all safe to use. If you are learning to use a VCS for the first time, you can also try Mercurial because it is said to be slightly easier and more user-focused.