Perforce 2005.2/93627 review

Perforce, the Fast Software Configuration Management (SCM) System, provides powerful version control and workspace management with a unique branching model.

License: Demo OS: Mac OS X File size: 11K Developer: Perforce Software Buy Now Price: $800.00 Updated: 16 Feb 2006

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Perforce, the Fast Software Configuration Management (SCM) System, provides powerful version control and workspace management with a unique branching model. Perforce provides software developers with fast and reliable SCM to manage source, document and Web content.

The client/server architecture scales to hundreds of users and millions of codelines. Perforce works well even on limited bandwidth networks. The server's repository sits on a central host; client workspaces can be anywhere on the network -- around the office or the world.

Atomic change transactions ensure access to a consistent repository state at any point in time. Inter-File Branching helps to manage multiple development lines and easily integrate changes between branches. Perforce's self-maintaining and reliable database keeps data safe.

The command-line client is 100% scriptable, 100% portable and available on more than 50 platforms. The Windows GUI and browser-based clients provide a user interface for all SCM tasks.

Perforce integrates with VisualStudio.NET, Visual C++, Visual Basic, JBuilder, CodeWarrior, Control Center, Source Forge, and others, so users can access and update files stored in Perforce depots from within the tool of their choice. The Perforce Plug-in for Microsoft Office brings Perforce right into the menus of Microsoft World, Excel, and PowerPoint.

The Perforce Reporting System tracks metrics like the number of changes in a release or who has files open for edit.

Perforce also provides basic built-in defect tracking, is integrated with several leading defect tracking systems, and includes a kit that allows users to integrate Perforce with the defect tracker of their choice.

Here are some key features of "Perforce":
Perforce Server
The Perforce Server manages the Perforce central file repository, tracks Perforce user operations and records activity in the Perforce SCM database.
Perforce Visual Client
The Perforce Visual Client offers developers on Mac OS X, Linux, Windows, Solaris and FreeBSD a complete graphical interface to Perforce and includes a built-in merge tool.
Perforce for Windows
The Perforce Windows Client is designed to provide developers with quick and easy access to Perforce via the familiar Windows® Explorer look and feel.
Command-Line Interface
P4, the Perforce Command-Line Client, is self-contained, highly scriptable and available on over 50 platforms.
Distributed Development
The Perforce Proxy offers caching technology to provide remote users with quicker response times and real-time access to project activity and status information.
Reporting
The Perforce Reporting System, P4Report, offers query and reporting capability. Based on ODBC, P4Report can be accessed by popular reporting tools including Crystal Reports®, Microsoft Access® and Excel®.
Web Interface
The Perforce Web Client turns any Web browser into a complete user interface to Perforce.
Merge Tools
Perforce provides graphical and text-based merge tools to handle file merging and comparisons. Perforce client applications can also be configured to work with external merge tools.
Defect Tracking
In addition to providing basic built-in defect tracking, integrations between Perforce and several leading defect tracking systems are also available.
Process Automation
Perforce's open and scriptable architecture includes six types of server triggers, enabling you to better integrate Perforce with testing, build automation, and workflow tools.
IDE Integrations
Interact with Perforce directly from within IDEs such as Microsoft Visual Studio®, Borland JBuilder® and Metrowerks CodeWarrior®.
Microsoft Office Integration
The Perforce Plug-in for Microsoft Office® (P4OFC) works with Microsoft Word®, Microsoft Excel® and Microsoft Powerpoint®. Users of Microsoft Office can update documents stored in Perforce without leaving the familiar Office environment.