Why I avoid using Subversion externals
I’ve been using Subversion for a few years now and one of the tricks I’ve picked up on is avoiding the use of externals like the plague. I first stumbled upon this idea when including a large code base as an external in one of my own projects.
Subversion operations on the project in question were lightning fast. I could make a code change, and the commit operation would take only the blink of an eye. Likewise, updating other working copies with my changes was similarly instantaneous.
Then I included a large dependency as a Subversion external. From that point on, Subversion operations were very sluggish and it soon became a chore to update my working copies.