How to get the source code from SVN

This document describes the Subversion repository of the FreeDOS-32 project and how to get the latest development source code from that repository.

Subversion outline

This paragraph provides a very quick introduction to Subversion, also known as SVN.

We use Subversion

Like many open source projects, FreeDOS-32 is developed using Subversion, a version control system which stores all source files and their history. Subversion lets developers work on a common repository of files, alerting when conflicting changes are made, and allows to see any previous version of each source file. Subversion is considered the successor of CVS, a version control system we previously used.

While zipped source packages are released from time to time, our Subversion repository always contains the most up-to-date source code, as we commit changes as soon as we have working features or fixes.

You can download (or, using the Subversion terminology, check out) the latest development sources of FreeDOS-32 with a Subversion client, using "anonymous" access.

Getting a Subversion client

If you use a GNU/Linux operating system, it's very likely that a Subversion client is included in your distribution. Try to search for packages called subversion or svn and install them. I use kdesvn myself, a graphical front-end for KDE that integrates into Konqueror as a new file view.

If you use Windows, you may want to try TortoiseSVN, a graphical Subversion front-end that integrates into Explorer.

If you are in a hurry

If you are in a hurry to try the latest development source code, here is a quick recipe to checkout and compile the FreeDOS-32 kernel and modules. Of course type each item in a single command line, even if the following text may wrap to new line. First get the files from the the "trunk" (where the development is carried on) of the repository:

Now, to compile everything, change to the directory where you put the files from the trunk and type the following at the command prompt. For more details on the compilation process, please read How to compile FreeDOS-32.