Module: Configuration management

Concepts of configuration management and version control, and how they are implemented using git and GitHub.

Learning Outcomes

Use configuration management tools and techniques effectively

You understand the motivation for version control and configuration management
You can use git commands to support version control.
You can set up a GitHub account and use it to manage files.
You can implement project enhancements by creating and merging branches.

Create high quality technical essays

You demonstrate the ability to write professional-quality technical essays.

Readings

Guided tour of the configuration management module

Why, what, how, and when you will learn about configuration management

Screencast 4 min

Introduction to version control and configuration management

Basic concepts of VC and CM, from rcs to cvs to svn to git

Screencast 15 min

Pro Git, Chapter 1

About version control, a short history of git, git basics

GitHub Basics

Signup, setup git, create a repo, fork a repo, be social, try git

Linus Torvalds on Git (Why Subversion Sucks)

Google Tech Talk (optional, but interesting (1M+ views))

Screencast 70 min Optional

GitHub Cheat Sheet

“A collection of cool hidden and not so hidden features of Git and GitHub.”

Optional

Experiential Learning

E15: Experience Try Git

Learn about git using an interactive tutorial

11 Sep 11:30 PM

Experience the GitHub Student Developer Pack

Sign up for free developer tools and private repos

09 Sep 11:30 PM

E16: Experience Local Portfolio Management

Use git to manage your professional portfolio locally

13 Sep 09:00 AM

E17: Reflect on configuration management

Discuss your learnings about configuration management

Technical Essay 15 Sep 11:30 PM

Assessments

A06: Assess your ability to write effectively about configuration management concepts

Outcomes assessed: Use configuration management tools and techniques effectively, Create high quality technical essays

This assessment will evaluate your understanding of configuration management concepts through review of your technical essay.

Discussion:

Several of the essays were quite perfunctory. I will be getting more rigorous in future weeks in my expectations for insight into the topic area.
Be sure that your essay does not assume knowledge by the reader of this class or the specific assignment.