Perforce 2006.1 review

Perforce is a software configuration management system that is fast, robust, runs on over 50 platforms, and scales to over 1000 users

License: Free for non-commercial use File size: 12K Developer: Perforce Software

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Perforce is a software configuration management system that is fast, robust, runs on over 50 platforms, and scales to over 1000 users on a single repository.

Perforce project supports atomic submits and works well over wide area networks, including the Internet.

Here are some key features of "Perforce":
Server

The Perforce Server, P4D, manages access to versioned files, tracks user operations and records all activity in a centralized database.

Command-Line Client

The Perforce Command-Line Client, P4, is highly scriptable and available on more than 50 platforms.

Distributed Development

The Perforce Proxy, P4P, offers caching technology to provide remote users with quicker response times and real-time access to project activity and status information.

Defect Tracking

Perforce's built-in defect tracking system provides basic management for change requests. Integrations with leading defect tracking systems are also available to support more sophisticated workflow.

Web Client

The Perforce Web Client, P4Web, turns your web browser into a complete user interface to Perforce.

Graphical Tool Integrations

The Perforce Plug-in for Graphical Tools, P4GT, gives artists seamless access to version control from within 3ds max, Maya, and Adobe Photoshop.

Merge Tool

The Perforce Merge Tool, P4Merge, provides graphical three-way merging and side-by-side file comparisons. Perforce client applications can also be configured to work with third-party merge tools.

Reporting

The Perforce Reporting System, P4Report, offers query and reporting capability. Reporting tools including Crystal Reports, Microsoft Access and Microsoft Excel access the Perforce database through an ODBC driver.

IDE Integrations

Perforce's integrations with popular IDEs provides users with direct access to SCM functionality. Integrations are available for Microsoft Visual Studio, Eclipse, JBuilder, and others.

What's New in This Release:
The Perforce server can now log individual file access to an audit logfile: when enabled the server logs every time file content is transfered to a client. The 'p4 integrate' command was rewritten, leading to better performance, better recognition of previous integrations resulting in fewer merges, and better base selection resulting in simpler merges.
The merge algorithm was also rewritten and produces fewer conflicts to resolve, making automatic merging ('p4 resolve -am') more likely to succeed.