Glossary
Software & Integrations

Version Control

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
June 16, 2025

DEFINITION:

Version control is a system that tracks and manages changes to files, enabling collaboration and error recovery.
Version control is a software management practice that tracks and manages changes to documents, source code, and other files over time. It allows multiple users to collaborate on the same project by keeping a record of all edits, additions, and deletions. With version control, users can revert to previous versions, compare changes, and avoid conflicts caused by simultaneous edits. This system is essential for maintaining data integrity and ensuring that mistakes can be rolled back without loss of information. Version control is commonly used in software development, but it is also valuable for nonprofits managing financial data, grant proposals, or reports requiring team collaboration and version history.

Key Takeaways

  • Tracks changes and maintains a history of edits.
  • Facilitates team collaboration without data loss.
  • Enables rollback to previous versions if errors occur.
  • Supports accountability and transparency in data management.

Why It Matters

It safeguards data accuracy, collaboration, and allows recovery from errors.

Real World Example

A nonprofit organization is developing a new fundraising strategy document. Multiple staff members contribute ideas and edits using a cloud-based document editor with built-in version control. When a section is accidentally deleted, version control allows the team to restore the earlier content without losing any other recent changes. Additionally, the director can review who made which edits and when, ensuring accountability. This collaborative, traceable approach prevents confusion and ensures the team always has access to the most current—and correct—version of their important documents.

How Aplos Helps

Aplos integrates with various platforms and tools that utilize version control, ensuring your financial and reporting data are always up-to-date and traceable. Whether collaborating with your team or syncing data from integrated apps, version control helps maintain the integrity of your records and gives you peace of mind that all changes are tracked.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is version control?

Version control is a system that records changes to files, allowing multiple users to collaborate and revert to previous versions if needed.

Why is version control important for nonprofits?

Version control helps nonprofits ensure data accuracy, track edits, and recover from errors, making team collaboration more effective and secure.

Does Aplos support version control?

Aplos integrates with tools that use version control, ensuring changes to your financial data and documents are tracked and recoverable as needed.

Can version control be used for financial records?

Yes, version control is highly beneficial for financial records, providing an audit trail and ensuring that errors can be quickly corrected.

Is version control only for software developers?

No, version control is useful for anyone managing collaborative documents or data, including nonprofit teams creating reports or proposals.