A fine-grained version and configuration model in analysis and design

Abstract

In this paper we present a model of version and configuration management in the early phases of software development and an implementation of this model. We assume that software documents are modeled in a fine-grained way, that they are stored as syntax trees in XML files or a repository system, and that tools directly operate on these syntax trees. In contrast to file-based systems, structural changes in the document, e.g. the shifting of a method between two classes, can be identified in our model. Configurations allow us to manage groups of single modifications; such a group will mostly correspond to a specific design task or a similar activity. Configurations are thus a means to establish a connection to a change management system.