Using RCS version control to manage simple scripts
IN AND OUT
The Revision Control System (RCS) provides simple, reliable version control without the complexity of bigger systems like Subversion or CVS.
If you are the kind of Linux user with a collection of homegrown scripts, such as Perl snippets for downloading web comics or Shell scripts for backing up files, you may have considered adopting some form of version management tracking. For a single user, it doesn’t always make sense to use one of the popular, but complex, tools, such as CVS [2] or Subversion [3]. If you’re looking for a simpler level of version control, you may want to try the Revision Control System (RCS). RCS is a well tested and stable tool with excellent support. If your distribution does not come with RCS, you can either download it from the GNU project homepage [1], or get it direct from the official RCS homepage [4]. The INSTALL and INSTALL.RCS files from the unpacked tarball, rcs-5.7.tar.Z, provide notes for installing from the source files.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.