While Subversion is based on the "copy-modify-merge model" for version control, it is possible for a user to lock a file and be the only one able to commit changes to it.
- Creating a lock
- When you need to be the only user able to edit and commit changes to an item, you can lock it.
- Releasing a lock
- To allow other users to commit their changes to an item you've locked, you need to release the lock.
- Stealing a lock
- To seize a lock set by some other user, you can use the Steal Locks option available in the Lock window.
For further information about acquiring, releasing, stealing and breaking locks in Subversion, please see Version Control with Subversion - Locking.