Common Features of SCM tools

SCM Common Features of tools Chen nengji Excerpt from: Software Configuration Management in Agile Methods-Juha koskela now has a lot of SCM tools, and their features are quite different. Each tool has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, some tools are very good in change control, while others are excellent in building management and version capabilities. Version Control The main purpose of version control is to manage configuration objects of different versions generated during software engineering. A developer can make any changes to a configuration item that is not controlled by SCM. In general, this change will only affect the configuration item itself. However, once the configuration item is under the control of SCM, a new version is generated for the change of the configuration item. They may be generated for different reasons, such as function expansion or defect correction. The versions organized by multiple parallel development lines are called branches. Note that a branch is not the only way to implement different product variables, because it can also be implemented using Conditional compilation, installation Description, or runtime check. There are two main types of branches: temporary and permanent. An example of basic branch management is as follows: Workspace management SCM can also provide private workspace for developers. The purpose is to prevent interference with other people's work. This process is implemented through the check-out and check-in operations. This process is described as follows: Synchronization Control Synchronization Control varies with SCM tools. For example, some tools do not lock file check-out, while others do. VSS supports both methods. When VSS locks a file, another user tries to check it out after it is checked out by a developer: System Construction The purpose of System Building Management is to combine the required file versions and then compile and generate applications. Program . There are two ways to build: Full build and incremental build. For a large system, incremental building can save a lot of time and machine resources. The SCM tool obtains the required information for building and repeat the building process. An SCM tool usually includes the make tool to generate executable software. Process control and support Process support means that the formal process model is defined and used to help implement the model mechanism. Some tools provide status transition diagrams and activity-centric modeling solutions. Change control is one of the traditional components of SCM tools. It should be noted that the fundamental purpose of the SCM tool is to support and automate SCM activities and provide assistance to developers. As weatherall said: "SCM is an attitude first, a process, and a set of tools ".