# SRC

> version-control system for single-file projects by solo developers and authors

**Wikidata**: [Q110427108](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110427108)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/src

## Summary
SRC is a version-control system designed for single-file projects by solo developers and authors. It was created by Eric S. Raymond as free software under the FreeBSD license. The system runs on BSD operating systems and is maintained by its creator.

## Key Facts
- Creator: Eric S. Raymond, American programmer and open source advocate born December 4, 1957
- License: FreeBSD license (free software)
- Operating system: BSD and other Unix-like systems
- Website: http://www.catb.org/~esr/src/ (English)
- Aliases: Simple Revision Control, src
- Different from: GNU RCS, GNU Source Release Collection
- Copyright holder: Eric S. Raymond
- Copyright status: copyrighted
- Instance of: free software, version control system

## FAQs
### Q: What is SRC used for?
A: SRC is a version-control system designed for managing single-file projects, particularly useful for solo developers and authors who need to track changes to individual files.

### Q: Who created SRC and why?
A: Eric S. Raymond created SRC as a lightweight version control solution for simple projects, releasing it as free software under the FreeBSD license.

### Q: What operating systems support SRC?
A: SRC runs on BSD operating systems and other Unix-like systems, with specific ports available for OpenBSD and NetBSD.

## Why It Matters
SRC represents a minimalist approach to version control, addressing the needs of developers working on simple, single-file projects who don't require the complexity of full-fledged version control systems like Git or Subversion. Created by Eric S. Raymond, a prominent figure in the open source movement, SRC embodies the Unix philosophy of building small, focused tools that excel at specific tasks. For solo developers and authors managing individual files, SRC provides essential version control functionality without the overhead of more complex systems. Its existence fills a niche in the software development ecosystem, demonstrating that not every project requires enterprise-level version control solutions. By offering a lightweight alternative, SRC makes version control accessible to users who might otherwise manage file versions manually or not at all.

## Notable For
- Designed specifically for single-file projects, unlike most version control systems
- Created by Eric S. Raymond, author of "The Cathedral and the Bazaar"
- Released under the FreeBSD license as free software
- Maintains simplicity while providing essential version control features
- Available across multiple BSD variants through official ports

## Body
### Development and Creation
Eric S. Raymond developed SRC as a version-control system specifically tailored for single-file projects. As a prominent American programmer and open source advocate born in 1957, Raymond has contributed significantly to the software development community through both his code and his writings on open source methodology.

### Technical Specifications
SRC operates as free software under the FreeBSD license, making it freely available for use, modification, and distribution. The system is classified as both free software and a version control system, positioning it within the broader ecosystem of software development tools while maintaining its specialized focus.

### Platform Support
The system runs on BSD operating systems, including specific implementations for OpenBSD (devel/src port) and NetBSD (wip/src package). This BSD-centric design reflects both the heritage of the software and its target user base of developers working in Unix-like environments.

### Distribution and Availability
SRC maintains an official website at http://www.catb.org/~esr/src/ and is available through various package management systems including Guix (as the "src" variable) and SlackBuilds (development/src-vcs package). The software carries copyright held by Eric S. Raymond while being distributed under free software terms.

### Relationship to Other Systems
SRC is explicitly differentiated from GNU RCS (Revision Control System) and the GNU Source Release Collection, positioning it as an alternative rather than a derivative of these established version control tools. This distinction emphasizes SRC's unique design philosophy and target use case.