Setting up source control

Xamarin Studio comes equipped with integrated source control, including support for both subversion and Git-based repositories. Even if you don't intend to use the integrated source control features of Xamarin Studio, I still recommend that you set it up so your Solution Explorer can reflect the current version control state of the files in your project.

Whether you are using subversion or Git, if you are running on a Windows machine, you will need to install the respective plugin. Also, each option requires access to an outside repository. Refer to your source control provider's documentation for instructions on setting up an account and installing any required plugins.

Once your development machine is ready to support your choice of source control, the process of setting it up in Xamarin Studio differs only slightly between subversion and Git. Since I use Git for all of my projects, I will demonstrate setting up a Git repo within Xamarin Studio by using the following steps:

1. Within Xamarin Studio, go to Version Control | Checkout.
2. Select the Connect to Repository tab.
3. From the Type drop-down list, choose Git.
4. In the Url field, enter the URL to your repository.
5. If the repository you have chosen is a valid Git repo, all of the remaining fields will populate automatically. Otherwise, complete the remaining fields as required.
6. At the bottom of the form, choose a target directory for your local working copy.
7. When you are done, your dialog box should resemble the following screenshot:
   
8. Click OK.
9. Enter your repo credentials when prompted.
10. After your repository finishes downloading, you can close the dialog box.

Tip

Although I use BitBucket for my projects, there are other excellent Git providers available including GitHub, CodeBase, and many more. Be sure to research what each provider offers in the way of services and cost before making your decision, though. Once you select a source control provider you'll find that your choice becomes embedded in the life of your project, and changing it is not a simple matter.