Subversion is the configuration management tool that aims to be a replacement for CVS, the older *NIX . It's pretty decent, although it is not all that sophisticated. Just as well, because the project's purpose-statement does not position it as a do-it-all, suitable-for-all-users thing. It just does what it claims to, versioning and does it pretty well.
But what I love about the tool, more than its features and even though the lack of certain features sometimes irritates, is the name: Subversion. I think the name is just charming, to say the least.
First of all, the word "version" is present in the name and versioning is what it does. You could even think of it as a tool that helps manage "sub-versions" of an object. Think "sub-version" instead of version.
If you think the "sub-version" line of reason is juvenile, then take this. "sub-" as a prefix could mean "Under, lower, below, secondary, inferior". Choose the "under" meaning and lo, sub-version takes the "under version (control)" meaning. :-)
But there's more to it The meaning of the word "subversion" is
1. Destroying someone's (or some group's) honesty or loyalty; undermining moral integrity
2. The act of subverting; as overthrowing or destroying a legally constituted government
This refers to Subersion's aim to be a complete replacement for CVS, that of underming the CVS ethos entrenched in *NIX culture.
Thus the name not only describes what the tool does, but it also embeds within it allusions to its history, culture and ultimate goal... and what's more, the mischief is hidden within the multiple possible interpretations.
What's in a name, anyone?
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