Aims of This Chapter

Setting up a well-defined Software Configuration Management environment is a prerequisite for a successful and automated build and release process. After reading this chapter, you will be able to

• Create a version-controlled build tools directory structure to support the software build and release process, using either Base ClearCase or UCM.

• Understand when and how to best apply labels or baselines as part of the build and release process.

• Identify which SCM branching strategies can successfully support the build and release process.

• Understand how to best create an SCM workspace for building and releasing.

The best practices described in this chapter are used and realized in more detail throughout the remainder of the book.