MM10-d: Keeping track of versions when sharing files

MM10-dKeeping track of versions when sharing files with others

Part of managing files, especially when you work collaboratively, is developing a system for sharing files. It’s easy, and frustrating, to end up with multiple versions of a file that have to be merged. Say, for instance, that you are working on a project with two other students, John and Chelsea. You each have a copy of your project. John is making changes to it, and Chelsea is making changes to it. Suddenly, you have three different versions of your project: yours, John’s, and Chelsea’s. Figuring out who made what changes and getting all of those changes into a single draft is difficult and time-consuming.

Passing around one file and working on that one file individually is a good approach. If you’re passing around a file, make sure that only one member of your group works on that file at a time. Or try uploading the file to a collaborative workspace, so that all members of your group make changes to a single version. Whatever strategy you adopt, maintaining good communication with your group members is essential.