Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using SVN Add All

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using svn add * (and Better Alternatives)

The svn add * command seems like a convenient shortcut to add all new files to your Subversion repository. However, it’s often a source of frustration and can lead to several issues. This article details common pitfalls and offers safer, more controlled alternatives.

1. Adding Unwanted Files and Directories:

The most frequent problem with svn add * is the indiscriminate addition of files you don’t want in version control. This includes:

• Build artifacts: Compiled binaries, object files, executables, and temporary files bloat your repository and unnecessarily increase its size.
• Local configuration files: IDE settings, editor backups, and operating system-specific files are generally irrelevant to other developers and can cause conflicts.
• Log files and caches: These files are constantly changing and provide little value in version control.
• Third-party libraries: Unless you’re modifying them, external libraries should be managed separately and not included directly in the repository.

2. Ignoring the svn:ignore Property:

Subversion provides the svn:ignore property precisely to prevent unwanted files from being added. Using svn add * overrides this mechanism, effectively negating its purpose. You should meticulously define svn:ignore for each directory to exclude files and folders like *.o, *.class, bin/, temp/, .DS_Store, Thumbs.db, etc.

3. Difficulty in Reviewing Changes:

When you use svn add *, it becomes harder to review the changes before committing. You might accidentally add a large binary file or sensitive information without realizing it. A more controlled approach allows you to examine exactly which files are being added.

4. Performance Issues:

Adding a massive number of files with a single command can slow down the process, especially over network connections. It also makes it difficult to pinpoint the source of any errors during the addition process.

5. Merge Conflicts:

While not directly caused by svn add *, adding unnecessary files increases the likelihood of merge conflicts in the future. The more files you have in version control, the higher the probability of two developers modifying the same auto-generated file, leading to conflicts.

Better Alternatives:

Instead of svn add *, consider these alternatives:

• svn add <specific_file>: Explicitly add individual files or directories. This gives you granular control and ensures only desired files are added.
• svn add --force .: This recursively adds all new files and directories while still respecting the svn:ignore property. It’s a safer alternative to svn add * but still requires a carefully configured svn:ignore.
• svn status | grep '?' | awk '{print $2}' | xargs svn add: This command uses svn status to find all unversioned files (marked with a ?), extracts their names, and then uses xargs to pass them to svn add. This also respects svn:ignore. While powerful, ensure you understand how it works before using it.
• GUI Clients: Most SVN GUI clients provide visual interfaces for adding files, allowing you to selectively choose which files to add while respecting svn:ignore. This is often the most user-friendly option.

Best Practices:

• Define svn:ignore proactively: Carefully consider which files should be excluded from version control and configure svn:ignore accordingly. Review and update it periodically.
• Review changes before committing: Always use svn status and svn diff to review the changes before committing.
• Use a GUI client: For complex projects or if you’re new to SVN, a GUI client can simplify the process and help avoid common mistakes.
• Avoid svn add *: Unless you are absolutely certain you understand the implications and have a perfectly configured svn:ignore, avoid this command. The alternatives provide more control and safety.

By following these guidelines, you can avoid the pitfalls of svn add * and maintain a clean, efficient, and manageable Subversion repository.