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Source code management (SCM) records every change to a codebase, lets developers restore earlier states, and gives teams a controlled way to review and integrate work. The phrase “SCM tool” covers two different layers: version-control systems such as Git and TFVC, and hosted services such as GitHub, GitLab, and Azure Repos that add permissions, pull requests, policies, and integrations. The right choice depends on your repository model, review process, governance needs, and whether you store large non-code assets.
What source code management does
Microsoft Learn defines source control (also called version control) as a system that lets developers collaborate on code and track changes. Each committed revision records who changed what and when, creating a history that can be inspected, compared, or restored. Teams can develop features without overwriting one another, identify the change that introduced a defect, and require review before code reaches a shared branch.
SCM is not the same as a backup. A useful repository also contains the context around a change: the commit message, branches, review discussion, and policies that controlled its integration. Keep separate backups for disaster recovery, credentials, and generated artifacts.
Distributed Git versus centralized TFVC
Git: a distributed repository
Git gives every clone a complete repository, including project history. Developers can create branches, inspect old commits, and make commits while offline; network access is needed when exchanging work with a shared remote. A remote host such as GitHub or Azure Repos is a collaboration point, not the only place where history exists.
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TFVC: a centralized repository
Team Foundation Version Control (TFVC) keeps historical data on the server. A developer normally works with one server-controlled version of each file on the development machine and checks changes in to that central service. This model can suit organizations that want server-enforced workflows and centralized control, but offline history and branching behavior differ from Git.
A practical Git change workflow
Microsoft’s Azure Repos guidance documents a common sequence. Teams can adapt the names and approval rules, but the mechanics are broadly recognizable:
- Create a branch from the agreed base branch for a feature, fix, or experiment.
- Make and test the change locally, keeping unrelated edits out of the branch.
- Commit with a message that explains the intent and, where useful, references an issue.
- Push the branch to the shared Git host.
- Open a pull request so reviewers can inspect the diff and discuss it.
- Resolve feedback and conflicts, then push the updates to the same branch.
- Merge using the team’s approved strategy after required checks and approvals pass.
Branch naming, squash or merge commits, required reviewers, and release branching are team decisions. The important control is that the integration point is visible and reviewable.
Nine SCM tools and tool choices
The list intentionally mixes core version-control systems with hosted products and a connector. Treat Git and TFVC as the repository technologies; treat the hosted offerings as the services that surround them.
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| Tool or choice | Repository model | Review and merge workflow | Governance and asset fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Git | Distributed; each clone contains history. | Branches, commits, and merges are built into the VCS; pull requests require a hosting service. | Governance comes from the host and local policy. Git stores source well; large binary assets need an additional strategy. |
| 2. TFVC | Centralized server repository. | Check-ins and server-managed workflows; Azure Repos documents pull requests for Git rather than treating TFVC as Git. | Central administration is a strength. Evaluate server capacity and file-handling needs for large assets. |
| 3. GitHub | Hosted Git repositories. | Pull requests, code review, issues, and integrations surround Git branches and commits. | Repository permissions and required checks are configured in the service. Large non-code assets are not its defining use case in the cited documentation. |
| 4. GitLab | Git-based repositories with a broader SCM workflow. | Merge requests, review, and related delivery workflows are presented as one integrated process. | GitLab describes SCM as including collaboration and governance. Confirm the controls your edition and plan provide. |
| 5. Azure Repos (Git) | Hosted distributed Git repositories. | Pull requests, branch policies, reviewers, and conflict resolution are documented features. | Useful when Azure DevOps identity and policy integration matter. Large-asset suitability depends on your storage design. |
| 6. Azure Repos (TFVC) | Hosted centralized TFVC repositories. | Server-controlled check-in workflow rather than Git branch pull requests. | A fit for teams standardizing on centralized version control; verify migration and client requirements before switching. |
| 7. Perforce Helix Core | Perforce’s centralized version-control product positioning covers source code and large digital assets. | Use the review and integration process provided by your Helix deployment; details vary by configuration. | Perforce positions Helix Core for teams managing large digital assets as well as code. |
| 8. Perforce Git Connector | Connector between Git tools and Helix Core workflows. | Lets users who prefer Git tooling participate in a Helix-centered environment; map the exact sync and review rules before adoption. | Consider it when a team needs Git-style tools while retaining Helix management for substantial assets. |
| 9. A hosted Git service around a self-managed Git repository | Git remains distributed; the service supplies the shared remote and controls. | Pull requests, protected branches, status checks, and approvals are configured by the chosen host. | This option separates VCS choice from hosting. Select the service by identity, audit, integration, and data-location requirements. |
The last option is a deployment pattern rather than a single brand. It belongs in the decision because many teams choose Git first and then select a hosted or self-managed collaboration layer.
How to choose between the options
Choose the repository model first
- Choose Git when local history, offline commits, lightweight branching, and a broad ecosystem are priorities.
- Choose TFVC when a centralized server model and tightly controlled check-ins fit existing processes.
- Consider Helix Core when source code shares a repository strategy with very large digital assets, based on Perforce’s stated positioning.
Then evaluate review and merge controls
Ask whether the service can require pull-request approvals, block direct pushes to protected branches, run automated checks, and retain review discussion with the resulting commit. GitHub, GitLab, and Azure Repos all add collaboration around Git, but the exact policy names and availability depend on the service edition and current plan.
Map governance requirements
Document who can create repositories, change branch protections, approve releases, access security-sensitive code, and export or delete history. Check single sign-on, audit retention, permissions granularity, and data residency directly in the current product documentation before procurement; those details change more often than the underlying Git or TFVC model.
Account for large files and non-code assets
Source repositories are optimized for text diffs. Design a separate approach for large binaries, build outputs, design files, and game or media assets. Perforce explicitly markets Helix Core for source and large digital assets and offers Git Connector for users who want Git tools. For every other option, validate storage limits, locking behavior, backup, and transfer performance with your own asset sizes.
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Implementing change tracking without losing history
- Write a repository policy: define the default branch, branch naming, commit expectations, review count, and merge strategy.
- Protect shared branches: require reviews and automated checks before integration; restrict force-push and deletion rights.
- Keep commits coherent: separate formatting-only changes from behavior changes so reviewers and future investigators can isolate causes.
- Tag releases: associate a human-readable version with the exact commit or changeset deployed.
- Test recovery: periodically restore an earlier revision in a disposable workspace and verify that your backup and access procedures work.
- Plan migrations: preserve authorship, timestamps where supported, tags, branches, and review records when moving between hosts or from TFVC to Git.
Troubleshooting common SCM problems
“My branch is behind the shared branch”
Fetch the latest remote history, update your branch using the team’s approved rebase or merge policy, run tests, and push again. Do not rewrite a branch that other people are actively using unless the team has agreed to it.
“The pull request reports conflicts”
Bring the target branch into your working branch, resolve each conflict deliberately, run the full test suite, and push the resolution. Never accept all “ours” or all “theirs” without checking the resulting file.
“A commit contains a secret”
Revoke or rotate the credential immediately; deleting the line in a new commit does not remove it from history. Follow your host’s documented history-rewrite and incident process, then scan other clones and artifacts.
“Large files make Git slow”
Measure repository size and clone time, stop committing generated outputs, and evaluate an asset-storage solution or Helix Core. Moving a file later does not automatically remove old blobs from every clone.
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- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
“TFVC and Git terminology is confusing”
Map concepts explicitly during training: a Git commit and branch are not identical to a TFVC changeset and workspace. Document the commands and approval path your team actually uses.
Documenting SCM activity with screenshots
When you need a visual record of a pull request, branch policy, or release page, capture the page after authentication and redaction rules are defined. A browser automation script gives control but must handle consent banners, popups, lazy content, and failed loads.
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ScreenshotNeo is a website screenshot API and MCP server you can use to document SCM pages. It removes cookie/consent banners, newsletter popups, and chat widgets before capture; bot checks, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads, and cache hits are not billed, with the result identified by response headers. AI agents can call its take_screenshot, get_page_info, and capture_pdf tools through MCP.
One request returns an image or PDF:
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webpPython:
import requests
r = requests.get("https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot", params={"access_key": "YOUR_API_KEY", "url": "https://stripe.com"}, timeout=90)
open("shot.webp", "wb").write(r.content)Node.js:
const q = new URLSearchParams({ access_key: 'YOUR_API_KEY', url: 'https://stripe.com' });
const res = await fetch(`https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot?${q}`);See the full parameter reference in the ScreenshotNeo documentation. The Free plan includes 1,000 screenshots per month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 shots, and every feature is available on every plan. Create a free ScreenshotNeo account.
FAQ
Is SCM only for Git?
No. Git and TFVC are version-control systems; SCM also commonly describes the collaboration, review, and governance layer around them.
Can Git work without GitHub?
Yes. Git is distributed and can be used locally or with another remote host. GitHub is a hosting and collaboration service, not the Git program itself.
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Which option is best for large design or media files?
Perforce positions Helix Core for source code and large digital assets. Validate its fit, migration path, and workflow against your actual files and team processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a team review its SCM policies?
Review branch protections, permissions, retention, and recovery procedures after major workflow, staffing, compliance, or hosting changes.
Should generated build files be committed?
Usually no; keep reproducible source and build configuration in SCM, and store generated outputs in an artifact system suited to their size and retention needs.
The Bottom Line
Start by choosing distributed Git or centralized TFVC, then select the hosting and governance layer that matches your review, identity, audit, and asset requirements. Treat large non-code files as a separate design decision, and test recovery before relying on the repository in production.
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