| S.No | Key | Centralised Version Control | Distributed Version Control |
| 1 | Working | In CVS, a client needs to get a local copy of the source from the server, do the changes and commit those changes to the central source on the server. | In DVS, each client can have a local branch as well and have a complete history on it. Clients need to push the changes to the branch which will then be pushed to the server repository. |
| 2 | Learning Curve | CVS systems are easy to learn and set up. | DVS systems are difficult for beginners. Multiple commands need to be remembered. |
| 3 | Branches | Working on branches is difficult in CVS. Developers often face merge conflicts. | Working on branches is easier in DVS. Developers face lesser conflicts. |
| 4 | Offline Access | CVS systems do not provide offline access. | DVD systems are workable offline as a client copies the entire repository on their local machine. |
| 5 | Speed | CVS is slower as every command needs to communicate with the server. | DVS is faster as most users deal with local copy without hitting the server every time. |
| 6 | Backup | If CVS Server is down, developers cannot work. | If the DVS server is down, developers can work using their local copies. |
