Microsoft Visual SourceSafe

Microsoft ❘ Commercial ❘
Windows

A Legacy Source Control Solution with Limitations

David Fischer

12/18/2024

Microsoft Visual SourceSafe offers basic version control features but struggles with reliability and performance, making it outdated for modern development needs.

Review of Microsoft Visual SourceSafe by Microsoft

Microsoft Visual SourceSafe is a version control system that helps software development teams manage changes to source code over time. This tool is designed to track file versions, maintain a history of changes, and facilitate collaboration among team members.

Key features of Microsoft Visual SourceSafe include:

Check-in and check-out functionality for exclusive access to files
Integration with Microsoft development tools such as Visual Studio
Branching and merging capabilities for managing parallel development efforts
Security features to control access to files and folders
History tracking to review changes and revert to previous versions if needed

Developers can benefit from using Microsoft Visual SourceSafe to keep track of code changes, collaborate effectively with team members, and ensure the integrity and consistency of their software projects.

Microsoft Visual SourceSafe is a reliable version control system that provides essential tools for software development teams to manage source code efficiently and streamline the development process.

Overview

Microsoft Visual SourceSafe is a Commercial software in the category Development developed by Microsoft.

The latest version of Microsoft Visual SourceSafe is currently unknown. It was initially added to our database on 08/24/2007.

Microsoft Visual SourceSafe runs on the following operating systems: Windows.

Users of Microsoft Visual SourceSafe gave it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Pros

Built-in version control system specifically designed for software development
Easy to use interface, especially for developers familiar with other Microsoft products
Tightly integrated with Visual Studio IDE, making it convenient for users of Visual Studio
Supports branching and merging, enabling concurrent development on multiple features or bug fixes
Provides file history, labeling, and rollback features for better control over code changes

Cons

Limited support for modern development practices like distributed version control
Poor handling of binary files, which can lead to corruption and loss of data
Performance issues can arise with large repositories or when handling a high number of files

FAQ

What is Microsoft Visual SourceSafe?

Microsoft Visual SourceSafe is a version control system that helps manage software development projects.

Is Visual SourceSafe still supported by Microsoft?

No, Microsoft ended support for Visual SourceSafe in 2012.

Can I still use Visual SourceSafe even though it's no longer supported?

Technically, you can still use it, but it's recommended to migrate to a more modern version control system.

What are the alternatives to Visual SourceSafe?

Some popular alternatives include Git, Subversion (SVN), and Team Foundation Version Control (TFVC).

Can I migrate my repositories from Visual SourceSafe to another version control system?

Yes, there are tools available that can help you migrate your repositories to other systems.

Is Visual SourceSafe compatible with modern development methodologies?

Visual SourceSafe lacks some features and flexibility compared to modern systems, making it less suitable for agile or distributed development.

Are there any limitations to the number of files or file sizes in Visual SourceSafe?

Visual SourceSafe has some limitations on the number of files and file sizes that can be stored in a repository. It is best suited for smaller projects.

Can multiple developers work on the same Visual SourceSafe project simultaneously?

Yes, but concurrent checkouts can cause conflicts and may require manual resolution.

Does Visual SourceSafe support branching and merging?

Yes, Visual SourceSafe supports branching and merging, although its capabilities are more limited compared to modern version control systems.

Can I integrate Visual SourceSafe with popular development tools?

Yes, Visual SourceSafe provides integration with widely used development environments such as Visual Studio.

David Fischer

I am a technology writer for UpdateStar, covering software, security, and privacy as well as research and innovation in information security. I worked as an editor for German computer magazines for more than a decade before joining the UpdateStar team. With over a decade of editorial experience in the tech industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my current role at UpdateStar. At UpdateStar, I focus on the critical areas of software, security, and privacy, ensuring our readers stay informed about the latest developments and best practices.

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