What is Software Configuration Management? Complete Guide

Developing modern software does not necessarily take place alone. In most development processes, the process entails working in teams with several software developers, designers, and software testers all contributing to the development process. 

The team writes new code, fixes bugs, changes the dependency, releases feature updates and performs any other necessary task in order to produce software continuously around the clock. 

But with several people doing work on the software, how does the team ensure that the project does not become an absolute mess? 

That is when software configuration management comes in handy. With clear tracking and control systems put in place, it ensures that each software release is stable, reliable and traceable.

Basics of SCM: What is It? 

It is often referred to as SCM and Software Configuration Management refers to a subset of software engineering concerned with tracking, managing and controlling change to software project. 

It covers all aspects of the software development such as source code, documentation, database schema, configuration and build tools. Consider SCM as the master plan and the record keeper of the whole software project. 

The Essential Elements of Configuration Management

An efficient SCM plan depends on five essential elements:

• Configuration Identification: Assigning names and IDs to each individual element in a project, which is called Configuration Items (CIs), such as modules of code, documents, and hardware configuration.
• Version Control: Using software tools to track revisions, branching, and maintain a history of changes made to the project files over time.
• Change Control and Configuration Tracking: Developing a systematic way to submit, review, approve, and implement changes in order to avoid any unauthorized changes.
• Status Accounting: Recording and reporting the status of changes, updates, and the baseline of software at present.
• Configuration Audit: Reviewing systematically to ensure the completeness of the final product in accordance with its specifications.

Version Control vs. Configuration Management

It is quite typical to encounter people who use the terms version control and configuration management interchangeably; however, they are not the same.

Version control refers to a type of SCM. Specifically, it is used for changes management of source code files and management of their versions with the help of tools such as Git. 

SCM, in turn, is a general framework that includes version control, changes management policies, environments management, documentations, as well as build deployment IT management.

Why is SCM Important for Modern Development Teams?

Utilizing a proper Software Configuration Management approach comes with many benefits throughout the whole process of development:

• Collaboration Between Developers

  SCM enables developers to work with the same project from different angles and work on code versions at the same time without deleting other people’s work or breaking the existing code.

• Versioning and Quick Rollback

  All changes made to the code are logged continuously. In case an update has broken something in the code or caused serious problems due to unforeseen side effects, it becomes easy to roll back the code to its tested state.

• Better Quality and Code Security

  With SCM, there is always going to be strict verification before making any changes and deploying them to the server.

• Easy Regulatory Audit

  There are logs that clearly show all of the changes made, who did it, and when. It makes it easier to comply with the audit requirements and pass security tests.

  With the help of this approach, software development turns into an organized process for everyone involved. Growing companies can develop their features quickly and deliver them in good condition, not having to worry about downtime.

Also Read: What is Software Asset Management (SAM)? Complete Guide 

Conclusion

Software Configuration Management skills are critical for any organization that wants to develop quality software repeatedly. 

With good version control, configuration management, and operational rules, SCM helps bring order into complex development processes. 

Building a good configuration system means rapid innovation with full control over the software products being developed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)