I have a collection of files that represent a "project" (txt, cfg, hand edited binary, scripts, etc) that I would like managed in a repository. I would like to house the repository and server (if necessary) on my home Windows machine and be able to access it remotely and locally.
I have setup VisualSVN server and TortiseSVN client and it all works perfectly except for one major hangup; file timestamps. When I add a file to the repository, SVN wipes out the last modified date and changes it to the date when it was committed.
I have files that have dates that span the last 4 years and keeping these timestamps is important to me. I have searched, but have not found a solution to this problem (even though it seems plenty of other people have asked for the same behavior).
So my question is, is there a FREE VCS that allows for original file timestamps to be captured and meets my other general use criteria? I glanced at GIT, but it didn't seem like it did, and I wasn't sure about CVS.
Thanks for any and all help,
Rob
I FIGURED OUT A WORKAROUND
Thank you all for your input. I have figured out a workaround that allows me to continue using my current SVN setup. I simply archive the pre-existing files and folders that I wish to retain original dates. The archive itself has the date changed to current on the first commit, but the files in the archive when expanded keep their original dates. Then when/if they are updated, I delete them from archive and add them directly to the repository.
It's kind of hokey, but it works for me. I think it would be nice if SVN could auto capture the timestamp in a property and have an option in the client to grab it and modify the timestamp on checkout. Obviously it wouldn't be default behavior, but I don't see any harm in having that option.