Managing the changes in software source code, database data models, website files and documentation is an essential part of developing and maintaining computer software and websites. Using tools designed to help manage and track changes makes it easier to keep focus on the main game without being worried by having to work out what has changed.
WebAware has experience with installing and configuring revision control systems, developing software change and configuration management plans, and implementing and using configuration management tools. We have used a variety of tools in small and large projects, and we always apply some level of configuration management to all aspects of our work.
Subversion
Apache Subversion is a simple to use and versatile revision control system that can be licensed or used freely. It strikes a nice balance between functionality and ease of use. WebAware uses Subversion as part of our software configuration management plans for our software and website development projects.
We also offer consulting services for clients, to help implement Subversion as part of your configuration management plans be they small or large. We can assist with installation, configuration, training and implementation. Our understanding of Subversion can help with implementing efficient repositories that take advantage of the internal structures of Subversion, as well as such features as external repository references.
Databases
Databases need configuration management as much as (or more than!) traditional software source code. There are a variety of assets that can and should be tracked during development and maintenance of databases, including such things as:
- entity-relationship models
- data dictionaries
- schema creation and modification scripts
- views
- stored procedures
- user defined functions
- reference data
- test data and scripts
- data migration mappings and scripts
WebAware can help you develop a plan for change and configuration management of your databases. We can help you implement that plan using your current tool set, or we can help you implement a new repository with a new tool set.
Websites
Websites need software configuration management as much as any other type of software development project. In a multi-developer setting, a good concurrent revision control system such as Subversion, git or Team Foundation Server can greatly benefit the smooth integration of changes between developers. Updating staging servers can be more easily facilitated from a revision control system. We can help you implement software configuration management for websites using Subversion or other tools, across multiple servers and supporting multiple developers.