There is a dichotomy in software configuration management.  On one side, individual developers and testers need the flexibility necessary to do creative work, to modify code and tests to try out what-if scenarios, and to make mistakes, learn from them and evolve better software solutions.  On the other side, teams need stability to allow code and tests to be shared with confidence, to create builds and perform testing in a consistent environment, and to ship high-quality products with confidence.  This requires an intricate balance to be maintained.  Continue reading →