Archive for June, 2009
Basic Branching
Posted by Mark in Version Control on June 23, 2009
This article lays the foundation for a series on branching and the development management techniques it enables. A simple linear development progresses by building one version on another. So, version one is updated to produce version two, version two is changed to make version three, and so on. This form of version progression is well [...]
Subversion Repository Quick Start
Posted by Mark in Subversion, Subversion on June 23, 2009
A very quick introduction to setting up a Subversion repository and protecting it with Subversion’s own server and built in authentication system. You’ll want to watch this full screen and in HD to get the best view. This video is part of the upcoming Subversion Guru training course.
Why Wikis Won’t Work
Posted by Mark in Information Management on June 23, 2009
Image via Wikipedia Received wisdom among many development team with whom I have worked over the years is that a development wiki is a good idea. Experience suggests that this is not a universal truth and on some projects the wiki may actually be harmful. The main benefit, and problem, with Wikis is that they [...]
Installing Subversion on Windows
Posted by Mark in Subversion on June 22, 2009
Installing Subversion on Windows could not be simpler. The CollabNet installer is demonstrated in this short presentation.
Permanently removing paths from a Subversion repository
Posted by Mark in Subversion on June 20, 2009
This post is an extended discussion covering removal of paths from a Subversion repository, covered more succinctly in the Subversion FAQ. Before you start removing paths from your repository consider this: Subversion was not designed to have paths removed. That is why you cannot remove paths using the standard client interface, in fact you need [...]
Making the CM Business Case: Part 3 – Audiences and data
Posted by Mark in Business Cases, Configuration Management on June 19, 2009
In the last part we looked at the basic outline of a fairly generic business case. I also stressed the importance of preparing your audience, especially for something that will be new to them – something like configuration management. I also stressed the importance of targeting your executive summary at the decision maker (the person [...]
My current activities
Posted by Mark in Plain Old Blog on June 17, 2009
In response to an enquiry on the CM Crossroads’ General forum. The book, let me see. The, now four volumes, on IT system lifecycle management has been on and off for a few years. Lots of research. Lots or writing. Very little product. I can’t realistically see that being done in the next two year. [...]
Essential Release Planning
Posted by Mark in Release Management on June 17, 2009
Release planning is, in essence, very simple. I am speaking here of planning what changes are to be made for each software release. The planning of a release into an operational environment is a different type of release planning entirely! Here is a simple way to think about releases and release planning.
Release identity and scheduling
Posted by Mark in Release Management on June 17, 2009
This entry was prompted by this post on the CMCrossroads General CM forum. I see nothing fundamentally wrong with Victor’s definition of release management. Software Release Management Process is the process through which proper versioned software is made available (Released) to the Client It is unclear from this definition precisely what scope Victor anticipates release [...]
Making the CM Business Case: Part 2 – The Simple Stuff
Posted by Mark in Business Cases, Configuration Management on June 13, 2009
Okay, where was I? Last time I pointed out that you are not going to convince anyone to introduce configuration management if you just present a business case. There’s much more to it than that. This time I’m going to discuss what goes into a business case. Hang on! Hold the phone! Didn’t I just [...]
