What Is a Central Repository?

In general, there are two repository options for version control: a central repository or a distributed one. Here, we cover the merits of a centralized repository. 

Read along or jump to the section that interests you the most.

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What Is a Central Repository?

A central repository stores everything in one place. In a centralized model, you work on the code while connected to the server itself. This maintains a single source of truth.

Who Uses a Central Repository?

Google's code repository is a central repository. 

Google has been using a centralized repository and version control system for nearly two decades. They built their culture of collaboration around it. Their repository model has affected the development and evolution of many parts of their business, including:

• Collaborative environment.
• Trunk-based development.
• Workflow.

Google is known for developing their own tools in house. When they decided to create their own proprietary repository, they used the centralized model. There are several advantages and disadvantages to the central repository model, regardless of size.

Why Use a Central Repository?

Centralized repositories have also been around a long time. In a centralized model, you work on the code while connected to the server itself. This maintains a single source of truth. The centralized model has been incredibly successful for version control. This is especially true as teams and projects grow and get more complex.

📘 Related Resource: What Is a Distributed Version Control System?

Benefits of the Central Repository

There are several important benefits of using a central repository. 

Atomic Changes

When everything is stored in a centralized repository, you can make atomic changes. This means you can a major change across 1,000s of assets in one operation. 

Single Source of Truth

A central repository is a single source of truth. It keeps everything in one spot, so you'll always know you have the latest version of code, files, and other assets.

Global Collaboration

A centralized repository makes it easy for team members around the globe to collaborate. When team members share a single source of truth, it's much easier to collaborate on projects. Even open source projects.

Code Visibility

A central repository gives you clear visibility into your code and the changes that are made. It's also easier to create a clear tree structure, so you know which changes impact which branches. 

Code Sharing and Reuse

Sharing and reusing code helps you accelerate development. And keeping your code in a centralized repository makes it much easier to share and reuse across teams and projects.

Dependency Management

If you make a change to one branch, will it affect another? By using a central repository, you'll have clear dependency management. So, you'll know how changes will affect one another.

Flexibility to Handle Change

Sometimes teams change. When you keep everything in a centralized repository, it makes it easy to get new team members up-to-speed. Of course, there are also some disadvantages to using a centralized server that merit consideration.

Disadvantages of a Centralized Server

Here are the biggest disadvantages of a centralized server.

Big Investment

Moving to a centralized server will take an investment. You'll need to invest in tools for development and execution, in particular. However, the initial investment can deliver big returns, particularly in productivity. 

High Complexity

Storing everything in a centralized server could create some complexity. In particular, the codebase and dependencies could become more complex. 

However, smart investments in tools lower the complexity. For instance, using Helix Core as a centralized version control system is a good move to deal with your complex codebase.

Ongoing Maintenance

You'll need to do maintenance to ensure code health. 

However, investments in smart tools reduce maintenance. For instance, utilizing a code review tool like Helix Swarm improves the overall health of the codebase.

Who Should Use Centralized Repositories?

Central repositories may be well-suited to companies, like Google, with a collaborative culture. But other business models can benefit as well. Regardless of the size of your team or business, using a centralized repository can provide visibility and a single source of truth.

With the trend toward more collaborative and open work environments, perhaps it’s time to give the centralized repository a closer look. After all, who doesn’t want to be the next Google?

Why Helix Core Is Ideal for a Centralized Repository

Helix Core — the centralized version control system from Perforce — is a good fit for development teams of any size. In fact, teams of up to 5 users can use it for free — forever.

Teams who use Helix Core for their centralized repository experience the benefits:

• Make atomic changes.
• Get a single source of truth.
• Improve collaboration around the globe.
• Improve visibility into their code.
• Share and reuse code.
• Handle dependencies easily.
• Gain flexibility to handle change.

And they avoid the drawbacks:

• Achieve productivity gains with Helix Core that offset the investment.
• Manage the complexity of their codebase.
• Improve code health.

➡️ use Helix Core — free

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