Managing Issue and Code Branches

It is important to learn about the benefits provided by sophisticated code branch and issue tracking, especially when these systems are integrated.

Being able to manage issue and code branches simultaneously in the process of software development is possible. This may be accomplished by using a software configuration management system that supports integration with issue tracking tools.

Using a system integrated in this manner allows you to access information about branch-associated issues provided by issue tracking tools (like Jira, Mantis, Trac) through the SCM’s GUI. This can make issues and branches much easier to manage and will also free up some time which is normally devoted to these such tasks.

An issue can refer to one of the several different kinds of problems or deficiencies. An example might be, a programming error reported by a tester or client, an improvement suggested by a customer, or could be a missing function desired by the project administrator.

With an advanced software configuration management system, it is possible to easily manage over a thousand branches and merge them or create them with very little effort. You can view the details about each of the branches as well as search for branches with certain characteristics.

You can also compare one code branch to another, monitor any changes, view the graphical representations of the branch structure, remotely make changes to branches, as well as manage the branch creation from within third-party IDE based software development tools.

An issue can be associated with one of the code branches by creating a new branch with the appropriate filename and extension (the same used in the tracking tool) specified by the SCM’s instructions. Issues may also be associated with specific changesets.

Increasing productivity and eliminating coding errors more quickly is possible when you are able to manage each issue and code branch effectively. Possessing the right software development tools is essential for achieving this goal, especially in a parallel development environment.

Each issue tracking tool will provide a vary emphasis, interface design, and benefits. It is best for an application developer to select the most suitable tool rather than being forced to pick a specific tracking tool because of their SCM’s limitations.

When issue tracking tools are to be integrated with a software configuration management, it is imperative that adequate documentation and technical support be supplied by the development tool provider so that setup and operation may be achieved flawlessly.

To conclude, a properly integrated software configuration management system and issue tracking tools will enable developers to efficiently manage issue and code branches at the same time and in a way that will suit their specific business and development environment.

Codice Software offers a Plastic SCM product that will provide version control management, code branch management and a three way merge tool packaged into this software configuration management tool. Check out Plastic SCM today.