GNU Emacs Manual - VC Workfile Handling

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#### VC Workfile Handling

Emacs normally does not save backup files for source files that are maintained with version control. If you want to make backup files even for files that use version control, set the variable `vc-make-backup-files` to a non-`nil` value.

Normally the work file exists all the time, whether it is locked or not. If you set `vc-keep-workfiles` to `nil`, then checking in a new version with `C-x C-q` deletes the work file; but any attempt to visit the file with Emacs creates it again. (With CVS, work files are always kept.)

Editing a version-controlled file through a symbolic link can be dangerous. It bypasses the version control system--you can edit the file without locking it, and fail to check your changes in. Also, your changes might overwrite those of another user. To protect against this, VC checks each symbolic link that you visit, to see if it points to a file under version control.

The variable `vc-follow-symlinks` controls what to do when a symbolic link points to a version-controlled file. If it is `nil`, VC only displays a warning message. If it is `t`, VC automatically follows the link, and visits the real file instead, telling you about this in the echo area. If the value is `ask` (the default), VC asks you each time whether to follow the link.

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