Hey everyone,
I’m working on my PhD and need to set up version control for my project. I’m wondering if there’s a way to create a private SVN repository using cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox. Has anyone tried this before?
My main concerns are:
- Keeping the data private (only me and my supervisors should have access)
- Using a free service (I’m on a tight budget)
- Something that works well with TortoiseSVN (that’s what I’m familiar with)
If setting up SVN on cloud storage isn’t doable, are there any other free options for private version control that you’d recommend? I’m open to alternatives as long as they’re reliable and won’t break the bank.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
hey mate, have u considered using github? they offer free private repos for students. just sign up with ur uni email and u get unlimited private repos. it’s not svn, but git is pretty easy to learn and there’s tons of tutorials online. plus, github’s got some neat collaboration features that might come in handy for working with ur supervisors. just a thought!
I’ve been in your shoes, and I can tell you from experience that Git is a game-changer for PhD projects. While SVN is familiar, Git offers more flexibility and better handling of branching and merging, which you’ll likely need as your research evolves.
For privacy and cost concerns, GitLab is worth considering. They offer free private repositories without the student requirement. I’ve used it for years, and it’s been rock-solid. The interface is intuitive, and you can easily give access to your supervisors.
If you’re set on SVN, you could try setting up a local repository and syncing it with cloud storage, but in my experience, this can lead to conflicts and isn’t as reliable as a dedicated version control platform. Trust me, the small learning curve for Git will pay off in the long run for your PhD work.
As someone who’s gone through the PhD process, I’d strongly recommend considering Git for your version control needs. While SVN is familiar, Git offers superior functionality for managing complex projects like doctoral research.
For your specific requirements, GitLab is an excellent choice. It provides free private repositories without any student verification needed. You can easily control access for your supervisors, and the platform is robust and reliable.
If you’re hesitant about learning a new system, don’t be. The initial time investment in Git will pay dividends throughout your PhD journey. It handles branching and merging far more elegantly than SVN, which is crucial for exploring different research directions.
Ultimately, using a dedicated version control service like GitLab will be more secure and less prone to conflicts than trying to jury-rig an SVN setup with cloud storage. It’s a professional-grade solution that won’t cost you a penny.