A dummy explanation of svn:externals could be that it allows a developer to link a folder from their repository to another location, say the Zend Framework repository. So this way when you want to upgrade the framework or get the latest incubator classes you can just do an svn update (probably after changing the externals location depending on your setup).

svn:externals - phly, boy, phly has a simple example of svn:externals for those who do not know how to use it. A note though, in the example he uses the trunk, it is suggested that you use a release from the tags folder so that you get a stable snapshot.

Here is the more indepth manual: Externals Definitions

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I've once tried to install SVN on my server... had A LOT of troubles with it with the packages and stuff. Lost a lost of time trying to figure everything out :s

Is there an easy-to-use (and install) SVN version maybe?

Thanks

Well installing svn has never been a problem for me. I am going to assume your compiling from source or installing from an rpm? if so, I would suggest using tools like yum or apt-get, etc.... to resolve dependencies as doing this by hand is a pain in the ***.

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Well, I was using FreeBSD on my machine back then and that didn't work out very nice :P also because I didn't fully understand the functionality and configuration. Since there was not THAT much information about it.