Software Configuration Management (CSE2552)

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of version control in software configuration management?

To create and maintain software documentation

To manage and track changes to software components throughout development (correct)

To identify and label software configuration items

To ensure the integrity of software source code

Which of the following is NOT a key consideration for identifying and labeling software configuration items?

The labeling scheme should reflect the structure of the product

Each software configuration item should be uniquely labeled

The priority of each configuration item should be clearly identified (correct)

Criteria for identifying and labeling should be established

Why is it important to establish criteria for identifying and labeling support tools used to build baselines?

To be able to recreate the exact build environment in the future (correct)

To guarantee the security of the support tools

To ensure that the tools are compatible with the latest software versions

To simplify the process of updating the support tools

What specific support tools are mentioned as crucial to identify and label?

Compilers, linkers, assemblers, make files (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is special attention needed for third party or purchased software?

To ensure the software is properly integrated and can be easily removed, replaced, or updated (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is special attention needed for prototype software?

To ensure the prototype software can be easily replaced with a final version (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using version control in software development?

Enhancing the efficiency of parallel development by enabling branching and merging (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'baseline' refer to in the context of software configuration management?

A specific set of software configuration items that represent a stable version of the software (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of parallel development?

Enables multiple developers to work on the same file at the same time. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of branching in version control?

To allow parallel development without interfering with each other. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is 'merging' in the context of version control?

Combining changes from different branches into a single branch. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is file comparison a crucial function in version control?

To identify changes made to a file between different versions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Configuration Control Board (CCB) in version control?

To approve changes to baselines before they are implemented. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a requirement of a version control procedure?

The impact of proposed changes must be analyzed and understood before implementation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of having a controlled version control procedure?

To ensure that changes to the software are made in a systematic and controlled manner. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of SCM tools in parallel development?

All of the above. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Software Configuration Management (CSE2552)

Software Configuration Management (SCM) encompasses naming, labeling, and version control

1. Identification of Configuration Items

Configuration item identification includes naming, labeling, and version control functions
Naming and Labeling
- Identification determines how product parts and built-from-parts baselines are identified
- Each software configuration item requires unique labeling
- The labeling scheme reflects product structure
- Criteria for identifying and labeling software configuration items and tests/test data must be established
- Support tools used to build baselines (compilers, linkers, assemblers, make files, etc.) should be included in identification criteria
- Special attention needed for third-party or purchased software integration for copyright/royalty reasons, reusability from other products or prototypes
Version Control
- Enables parallel development through branching and merging
- Parallel development is important to
  - Allow different projects to use the same source files simultaneously
  - Isolate work not yet ready for sharing
  - Isolate work that should never be shared (e.g., fixing a bug in an older release)
  - Enable development on a branch while a development track is frozen (e.g., during validation testing)
- SCM tools require branching, file comparison, and merging functions

1.1 Naming and Labeling (continued)

Diagram (Figure 8.3) shows a software parts list (SRS, SDDs, source code, library routines, executable code, etc.)
Diagram (Figure 8.4) depicts a software exploded parts diagram
Criteria for identifying and labeling support tools for building baselines are essential
Ensuring ability to recreate exact information from tools after changes/updates/replacements is crucial
Software that will be reused or is a prototype requires special attention

1.2 Version Control (continued)

Branching is a SCM function where a configuration item (usually code) develops simultaneously on multiple branches. New versions are independently added to each branch.
File comparison is the ability to compare files with the same name in different branches or baselines to identify differences.
Merging processes the selective application of changes made to source files in branches or baselines to corresponding source files in the main branch.
Diagrams (Figure 8.5) illustrate branching and merging processes

1.2 Version Control (continued) - Procedure

Version control procedures facilitate controlled change management using a known baseline, requiring some level of review for changes to baselines
Procedure impact (to cost, schedule, development, and manufacturing) must be assessed
Approval from appropriate bodies (CCB, key managers, project team) may be needed
Implementation of approved changes is necessary and all affected parties are notified after approval

1.3 Software Configuration Items

Table lists examples of software configuration items (Product concept specification, Software project plans, Software requirements specification, Software design descriptions, Source code, Database descriptions, SCM procedures, Software release process, Software test documents, User documentation, Maintenance documentation) and their corresponding information

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Description

Explore the essential concepts of Software Configuration Management (SCM), including the identification of configuration items through naming, labeling, and version control techniques. This quiz delves into the critical practices necessary for effective SCM, focusing on unique labeling and the integration of third-party software. Test your understanding of how these processes contribute to successful software development.