Version Control Systems (VCS) the Pillars of Modern Software Development: Analyzing the Past, Present, and Anticipating Future Trends

Abstract

This paper provides an in-depth investigation of the best practice changes in the control of software versions in the development process starting from the initial systems used for the process and the current trends, including predictions on future of practice. Collaborative workflows, branching strategies, and the availability of version control in DevOps are at the forefront, highlighting their contributions and development over the years. We discuss various popular version control tactics, including GitFlow, GitHub Flow, and Mercurial and review how widely these methodologies are used across the software development life cycle and which benefits and challenges are standing along the way. In addition, the paper delves into the various branching approaches that have developed while documenting their evolution and the subtlety they take on in different industry fields. A large proportion of the article is used to comprehend the mutually beneficial tie-in of version control systems and DevOps practices that highlights how this combination simplifies a deployment pipeline and improves software delivery procedures. Combining the historical analysis, current situation, and an outlook on the future, this article attempts to provide an overview of version control systems in its entirety and conveys the most important findings about AI and machine learning integration into the version control workflow, the paramount importance of adaptability and automation in branching strategies and the prime placement of version control in the continuous improvement of DevOps. Consequently, this study is a good source of reference for software developers and academicians; as it provides an overview of the history, and emerging history, the works of, and the expected works of version control best practices in the face of a collaborative dynamics of software development.