Overview

Synopsis

In "Software Configuration Management Patterns", Berczuk and Appleton present 16 patterns to communicate SCM strategies that promote a culture that produces better software -- through workflow and light-processes. The patterns are divided into separate hierarchies of codeline-related and workspace-related patterns.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Part I: Background

Chapter 1. Putting a System Together
Chapter 2. The Software Environment
Chapter 3. Patterns

Part II: The Patterns

Chapter 4. Mainline
Chapter 5. Active Development Line
Chapter 6. Private Workspace
Chapter 7. Repository
Chapter 8. Private System Build
Chapter 9. Integration Build
Chapter 10. Third Party Codeline
Chapter 11. Task Level Commit
Chapter 12. Codeline Policy
Chapter 13. Smoke Test
Chapter 14. Unit Test
Chapter 15. Regression Test
Chapter 16. Private Versions
Chapter 17. Release Line
Chapter 18. Release-Prep Code Line
Chapter 19. Task Branch
Chapter 20. Referenced Patterns

Appendix A. SCM Resources Online
Appendix B. Tool Support for SCM Patterns

Praises

For an agile approach to SCM, the book should have some broad appeal. Some may already be familiar with the patterns in practice (or otherwise encountered the antipatterns). The authors caution that while some of the patterns may seem obvious, the details in how to apply them aren't necessarily obvious. (p 38)

Numerous diagrams aid in understanding the pattrns. The diagram notation for codelines clarifies branching (e.g., effects). The hierarchy of pattern dependencies provides context for the application of SCM patterns.

Criticisms

I found it a bit ironic that the authors criticized the prose of Christopher Alexander (the oft-cited architect who originated the concept of patterns and pattern language) for "marginally correct grammar", when this book (granted, it's a first printing) has its share of grammar mistakes and awkward sentences.

Final Analysis

The book seems better targeted at small teams (ideally before) struggling with SCM (e.g., burdened with too much process or frustrated by too little). All in all, a reassuring read, but personally, falls short in "bang for the buck" ($62.99 CDN).

Copyright

Copyright © 2003 Anthon Pang.

Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no Invariant Sections, no Front-Cover Texts, and no Back-Cover Texts. A copy of the license is included in the section entitled "GNU Free Documentation License".