Which version control systems offer the most comprehensive code review features?

1 Git Basics

Git is a decentralized VCS that enables multiple developers to work on the same project without interference. It allows for branching and merging, meaning you can create separate lines of development and then combine them back into the main codebase. For code reviews, Git's pull requests are a powerful tool. They let you compare changes across branches before merging, ensuring that only well-vetted code makes it into the project. Moreover, inline commenting on pull requests facilitates detailed discussions right next to the relevant code snippet.

2 Mercurial Magic

Mercurial is another distributed VCS that is known for its simplicity and efficiency in handling large projects. It offers robust tools for code review through changeset evolution and phases that help manage the lifecycle of changes. The concept of 'phases' in Mercurial ensures that changes are propagated correctly and that only reviewed and tested code gets marked as public. Like Git, Mercurial also supports branching and merging, which are essential for isolating new features or bug fixes during the review process.

5 Bazaar Benefits

Bazaar is a distributed VCS with a focus on ease of use and adaptability to different workflows. It supports both centralized and decentralized models, making it versatile for code reviews. Bazaar's bundle feature is particularly useful for code review, as it allows you to package up changes and share them with others for feedback before integration. This can be especially helpful for distributed teams or open-source projects where contributions come from various sources.

6 Fossil Features

Fossil is a less commonly used but interesting distributed VCS that includes an integrated web interface and issue tracking. For code reviews, this means you can browse changes, comment on them, and track their status all within the same system. Fossil's all-in-one approach can simplify the review process by centralizing communication and change management, which might be appealing for smaller teams or projects looking for a lightweight solution.