When I give a Team System Workshop one of the topics that tends to generate some discusssions is the module about source control and branching (mainly the branching patterns and usage).
Branching is not an easy subject, it normally requires a mindset shift for people who are not used to it. Specially when there are so many ways of doing it.
In TFS 2010 branching is going to be a lot easier and powerful since the team has been spending a lot of time on branching and visualization support
When it comes to branching patterns my bible is still Software Configuration Management Patterns: Effective Teamwork, Practical Integration but a few days ago the VSTS Rangers with the collaboration of the VSTS MVP's has launched the second release of the TFS Branching Guide on codeplex. This will help TFS users deal with branching scenarios and usages in TFS.
What will you get if you download the package?
- TFS Branching Guide - Main 2.0
- This is the main article which briefly explains branching concepts and introduces 3 levels of the most common branching scenario
- TFS Branching Guide - Scenarios 2.0
- A collection of less common branching scenarios
- TFS Branching Guide - Q&A 2.0
- A set of most frequently asked questions with answers
- TFS Branching Guide - Drawings 2.0
- A set of branching drawings in different formats including a large branching poster
- TFS Branching Guide - Labs 2.0
- A couple of examples for hands on labs with step by step instruction for practicing the branching scenarios