Subversion for Administrators Training Course

SVN server setup

• Installing the package and all necessary dependencies
• Creating single or multiple repositories with careful consideration of location, performing initial imports, and migrating from CVS and other version control systems

Fine-tuning all types of access schemes, including http, https, svn, svn+ssh, and file, with special attention to:

• Configuring Apache modules
• Utilizing ssh environment variables to simplify svn+ssh:// URLs
• Defining appropriate user databases and designing complex access control lists or authorization patterns
• Integrating with LDAP, domain controllers, MySQL, PAM, etc., for user authentication

Configuring an effective repository layout

• Each sub-project follows a complete tree structure (trunk, branches, tags), suitable for sub-projects that are inclusive and self-contained with minimal inter-dependence, and stable, mature APIs
• All modules reside on the trunk, branches, and tags, suitable for a logically compact project with strong coupling among modules
• Understanding the differences and benefits of each approach

Backup strategy and disaster recovery

• Backup strategies, including: native methods using svn sync, third-party tools such as rsync, and hot copy
• Whole repository backup versus individual revision checkout or dump
• Disaster recovery procedures
• Permanently removing files and history

Basic knowledge about managing repositories

• Normal working cycle with Subversion (hands-on practice)
• Creating branches and tags
• Creating locks and other controls
• Designing client-side tools and integrating them with IDEs
• Selecting and configuring repository viewing facilities
• Establishing general user policies, including setting Subversion hooks for strict restrictions
• Designing automatic checkout, build/compilation, and even automatic testing processes