How do you manage programming projects with source code management?

1 What is SCM and why do you need it?

SCM is a set of techniques and tools that help you manage your code in a systematic way. SCM allows you to create versions of your code, track the history of your changes, compare and merge different versions, and restore previous versions if needed. SCM also enables you to collaborate with other developers, share your code, review and test your code, and deploy your code to different environments. SCM helps you avoid common problems such as code conflicts, bugs, duplication, and data loss.

2 How to choose a SCM tool?

There are many SCM tools available in the market, each with its own features, benefits, and drawbacks. Some of the most popular SCM tools are Git, Subversion, Mercurial, and Perforce. When choosing a SCM tool, you should consider factors such as your project size, complexity, and requirements, your team size and structure, your preferred workflow and methodology, and your budget and resources. You should also compare the functionality, usability, compatibility, and support of different SCM tools.

3 How to set up a SCM repository?

A SCM repository is a central place where you store and manage your code. A repository can be either local or remote, depending on whether you host it on your own machine or on a server. To set up a SCM repository, you need to install and configure your SCM tool, create a project folder, and initialize a repository inside it. Then you can add your code files to the repository, commit your changes, and push them to the remote repository if you have one. You can also clone or fork an existing repository from another source.

6 How to ensure the quality and security of your code?

SCM can help you ensure the quality and security of your code by providing you with tools and features that allow you to test, debug, and audit your code. You can use SCM to run automated tests, check code quality metrics, identify and fix errors, and enforce coding standards. You can also use SCM to protect your code from unauthorized access, modification, or deletion, by using encryption, authentication, authorization, and backup mechanisms. You should also follow security best practices, such as using strong passwords, updating your SCM tool regularly, and avoiding sensitive data in your code.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?