Source Code Branching

Most software projects will invariably require some efforts to be done in parallel.

Large software projects require many roles to be filled, developers, architects, builders, testers and managers. Multiple releases must be maintained, and multiple platforms must be supported. It is often claimed that parallel development will boost team productivity, but these are not the only reasons for developing in parallel.

• Isolate changes
• Insulate developers from other system changes
• Organize projects

When used appropriately, branching addresses problems of communication, visibility, project planning and risk management.

• Physical
• Functional
• Environmental
• Organizational
• Procedural

• Cost
• Software Development Processes
• Tool Functionality
• Performance
• Usability
• Source Code Evaluation

Should we branch?

And the unfulfilling reply.

It depends

Just like choosing a tool, there are many factors and forces that can go into the decision about branching and a strategy for it in the future.

• Physical
• Functional
• Environment
• Organizational
• Procedural

• Use Meaningful Branch Names
• Prefer Branching over Code Freezing
• KISS (Keep it Simple Stupid)
• Isolate Change
• Isolate Work, not People
• Source Code Branching Best Practices

Version Control is a system or tool that captures the changes to a source code element: file, folder, image or binary.

This is beneficial for many reasons, but the most fundamental reason is it allows you to track changes on a per file basis.

For a deeper dive into Version Control

Version Control Software is an overview of the features and concepts of a few of the more commonly used Open Source SCM Tools, Subversion, Bazaar and Git.

Version Control Software

SCM Tools is a list of the more popularly used Software Configuration Management Tools.

The plan is compile an exhaustive list of tools and rate them according to their usability.

Software Configuration Management Tools

Please share your Software Configuration Management Tool experiences and reviews!

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Read what other think of their Software Configuration Management Tools.

SCM Tool Reviews

The goal of the baseline is to uniquely identify each version of a software component or application, and to facilitate detection and correction of configuration errors.

Software Baseline

Software Version Control Software Version Control is a software system designed to track changes to individual files and directories. It's primary function is to facilitate, track and help organize changes to constantly evolving software systems.

Source Code Source Code is the intellectual property of an organization. Understanding and properly protecting this valuable asset is one of Software Configuration Management's highest priority.

Source Code Administration Source Code Administration is an important aspect of SCM. Ensuring wise and effective administration to your companies source code is vital to your organization's success.

Source Code Branching Most software projects will invariably require some efforts to be done in parallel. Large software projects require many roles to be filled, developers, architects, builders, testers and managers.

Software Baseline The goal of the baseline is to uniquely identify each version of a software component or application, and to facilitate detection and correction of configuration errors.

Source Code Evaluation In Software Configuration Management, one of the most common asked questions is what SCM source code tools should I use. The answer is, it depends on your source code evaluation criteria.

Source Control Source Control is a system or tool that versions the changes to a source code file. This is beneficial for many reasons, but the most fundamental reason is that it allows you to track changes on a per file basis. The typical tools used for versioning are called version control tools, software configuration management tools, or content management tools.

Version Control Version Control is a system or tool that captures the changes to a source code element: file, folder, image or binary. This is beneficial for many reasons, but the most fundamental reason is it allows you to track changes on a per file basis.

Version Control Software Version Control Software is an overview of the features and concepts of a few of the more commonly used Open Source SCM Tools, Subversion, Bazaar and Git.

SCMWise Home SCMWise is dedicated to Software Configuration Management. This site is a central repository for the collection of best practices, processes, methodologies and tools that surround SCM.