NAME

rcsintro − introduction to RCS commands

DESCRIPTION

The Revision Control System (RCS) manages multiple revisions of text files.  RCS automates the storing, retrieval, logging, identification, and merging of revisions. RCS is useful for text that is revised frequently, for example programs, documentation, graphics, papers, form letters, etc. 

The basic user interface is extremely simple. The novice only needs to learn two commands: ci and co.  Ci, short for "checkin", deposits the contents of a text file into an archival file called an RCS file. An RCS file contains all revisions of a particular text file.  Co, short for "checkout", retrieves revisions from an RCS file. 

SEE ALSO

ci(1), co(1), ident(1), merge(1), rcs(1), rcsdiff(1), rcsmerge(1), rlog(1), rcsfile(5). 
Walter F. Tichy, “An Introduction to the Revision Control System”, Programmer Supplementary Documents, Volume 1 (PS1), #13

Purdue University  —  Revision 1.2 of 19/10/88