Selecting the Source Code Control System

LabVIEW provides basic source code control functionality in its built-in system. In addition, LabVIEW supports two third-party source code control systems, Perforce and Microsoft Visual SourceSafe. The SCC user interface in LabVIEW is the same regardless of whether you use the built-in system or a third-party system.

In some cases, the decision to use one of the third-party SCC systems might be made based on the fact that your company has standardized on one of these systems. If not, you must decide which strategy you want to use for managing your files.

To choose which system you want LabVIEW to use, select Tools»Source Code Control»Configure SCC Options to display the Configure SCC Options dialog box.

The Provider pull-down menu lists the installed providers. Selecting a different provider automatically launches the Configuration dialog box, which is specific to the provider you selected.

Built-In System

The built-in SCC system provides basic functionality. Because it is written in LabVIEW, it is available on all platforms that LabVIEW supports. The built-in system uses a master directory in a shared location to store file versions and status information. It has the option to lock files using either internal locking or file permissions. Internal locking is preferred when development is shared on multiple platforms because VIs can be recompiled and saved without first checking them out.

The built-in system does not provide password functionality, so it is not as secure as the other SCC providers.

Perforce

Perforce is a software configuration management (SCM) tool, offering version control, facilities for concurrent development, release management, defect tracking, lifecycle management, and change review. Perforce has a client/server architecture, in which many computers, called clients, are connected to one central machine, the server. Each user works on a client. At their command, Perforce transfers files users edit to and from the server. The clients communicate with the server using TCP/IP. Perforce provides support for many platforms.

Refer to the Perforce Software, Inc. Web site for more information about Perforce.

Microsoft Visual SourceSafe

Visual SourceSafe is included with Visual Studio and other development tools from Microsoft. It is available only on Windows.