[OS X TeX] Re: Version control of documents in TeXShop

[Adam R. Maxwell]

On Aug 11, 2005, at 20:01, Andrew Kurtz wrote:

> Thanks for all the suggestions.
>
> I've used iTeXMac before, but have run into issues with it so I  
> prefer TeXShop.  I downloaded the latest version and after a quick  
> look did not see any version control support.

I use iTeXMac, but it doesn't have built-in support for versioning.   
It does have support for hard-wrapping lines, which is necessary for  
cvs/diff commands.

> In response to questions of why I would want such a feature...  I  
> worry about accidentally deleting something and not noticing it  
> before I save (a backup will help with that).

I used cvs when writing my dissertation; it's incredibly helpful if  
you accidentally delete something or discover six months later that  
you were right the first time, or perhaps want an earlier version of  
a figure.  In fact, I've been using it for everything over a few  
pages in length, and I also keep my BibTeX databases in cvs.

I find CVL works well for me as a GUI, since it lets you view log  
messages and easily see diffs with FileMerge.

> I could maintain manual versions, but I was hoping for a more  
> automated way of doing it.  As I was writing this I had the idea of  
> creating a folder action so when the file is saved a copy it placed  
> somewhere else.  That would end up creating a lot of files, but it  
> would maintain an accurate trail of changes and would be completely  
> automated.  The idea of doing manual CVS (or Subversion) is also a  
> good idea.

I tried that manual versioning thing for a while, but it's messy, to  
say the least.  Using a versioning system will make your life easier  
in the long run; it's a great way to make the computer do some work  
for you.

-- Adam

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