SmartSVN

SmartSVN is a graphical user interface for Apache Subversion, an opensource version control system, which allows managing changes to source files.

Thus, its main objective is to enhance usability while inheriting most of the benefits of Subversion. In this respect, SmartSVN supports working with the working copy format and client-server protocol as well as practically all the commands available in Subversion. It may have a learning curve if this is the first time you use version control, which is why its abundant documentation is gladly welcomed.

The main organizational unit in SmartSVN is the repository, organized into projects, which you can easily start or import. The application’s main window has an explorer-like interface, and it shows the files in your repository by preserving the source directory structure. For each file, you receive version-control information such as revision instance, local and remote states, relative directory and branch with the objective of allowing the analysis of local modifications to a given file.

Moreover, locally modified directories are flagged with red arrows while those changed in the repository are marked with green arrows. Thus, the app lets you compare files and track their modifications, as well as manage the contributions of the members of a development team. Unfortunately, though, it does not seem to support Finder integration.

The product is available in two different editions: Foundation and Professional. The first one is free and can be used for browsing your repository and performing basic management tasks. The latter is paid and supports more complex operations, like creating tags, managing branches and using smart extensions. Fortunately, this paid edition is available for trial and after the available free period is over, it still continues to work with Foundation-edition features only.

All in all, SmartSVN is an excellent solution in terms of facilitating the use of such powerful version control system as Subversion. Most users would agree that its paid version is one of those that are worth paying for.