svn vs new install diff?

[Melinda]

Hi,

Is there a difference in using the svn versions if you keep the database updated rather than doing a fresh install each time there is a released version? I know svn is not a release but for testing and bugs.

Recently I took a store on version 1.2.5 and updated to svn 1731. I updated the database with the new and changed information, deleted the files inside each folder on the server, added the new files into the same folders, kept the config/settings file, and afterwards generated the .htaccess and robots.txt file inside the admin.

It seems to be working fine but was just wondering if a fresh install is really necessary when the next release version is released.

Also, will there be an official credit card payment module that is kept updated to choose from?

Thank you!