Session 4 of Module 5: Configuration Management

Overview

• Focus on the configuration management
• Discuss features of CM tools
• CM’s role in test management activities

Configuration Management: Definition and Importance

• Definition:
  • Systematically controls changes in software and supporting documents during SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle).
  • Includes software code, test cases, design documents, SRS, etc.
• IEEE Definition:
  • Identifies and defines system items
  • Controls changes throughout the lifecycle
  • Records and reports status and changes
  • Verifies completeness and correctness

Key Features of Configuration Management Tools

1. Concurrency Management
   • Manages concurrent operations (e.g., same file edited by multiple people)
   • Prevents issues like overwriting changes by merging updates
   • Ensures all changes are included in the final version
2. Version Control
   • Archives previous versions of files
   • Enables rollback to previous versions in case of issues
   • Useful for tracking changes and preventing integration problems
3. Synchronization
   • Users can check out multiple files or the entire repository
   • Update local repositories to stay current with team changes
   • Ensures development uses the latest version of central repository

Popular Software Configuration Management Tools

• Git (latest version control tool)
• IBM Rational Team Concert
• IBM ClearCase
• Open-source tools: CVS, Subversion

Concurrency Management: Example and Details

• Central repository accessed by multiple developers
• Ensures changes by multiple users are merged, not overwritten

Version Control: Importance

• Snapshots taken of current and changed versions
• Allows rollback in case of issues or incorrect changes
• Archives previous versions enabling continuity

Synchronization: Working Mechanism

• Includes entire repositories for consistent development
• Updated periodically to match team changes
• Synchronize local and central repositories for up-to-date progress

Other Functionalities

• Build management
• Auditing
• Reporting systems

Implications for Testing

• Test Management
  • Testers manage test code and documentation using CM tools
  • Test plans, strategies, test cases, automation code
• Build Process
  • Reliable way to deliver builds and test environments
  • Versioned builds for consistent testing and issue tracking
  • Maps test cases and defects against specific builds (traceability)

Summary

• Understanding of configuration management and its relevance
• Detailed features: concurrency mgmt, version control, synchronization
• CM tools’ application in testing for better test management

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