VSTS Rangers Projects – Branching Guidance II

  • Article

imageThis is a very special project, because (1) James Pickell fulfilled the requirements of becoming a Core Rangers with the project, (2) its is slowly but surely breaking the Codeplex download records and (3) I was personally involved and will continue to be involved in future editions. Most of the content of this post is pulled from the Codeplex site here.

TFS 2008 Branching Guide 2.0

The purpose of the TFS 2008 Branching Guide 2.0 is to build some insightful and practical guidance around branching and merging with Team Foundation Server. It's a collaborative effort by VSTS Rangers in cooperation with VSTS MVPs, Microsoft Services, and VSTS Product Team … a real community effort!
Group Of A Diverse And Colorful Group Of People Seated And Holding A Meeting About Running An Environmentally Friendly Company Around A Round Conference Table Clipart Illustration Image 

Why the 2nd release?

Since the first release, we have received lots of feedback and change requests. Most feedback indicated a desire for a more practical approach to branching compared to the first release which is more theoretical. With that in mind, we decided to reduce the conceptual part and focus on branching practices with Team Foundation Server.

What is in 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

My 5c Views …

While the quick reference poster give a great visualisation from a high altitude, backed by the actual drawings which can be re-used by you, the Main, the Scenarios and the Q&A papers deliver invaluable information and guidance relating to branching and merging. Before you select “create Team Project”, go to a whiteboard and discuss your branching strategy, using the branching guidance 2.0 project as a starting point.
TFS Branching Guide - Scenarios 2.0 image image

We are planning to continue the collaboration with the community around this project, adding more scenarios and general guidance in the future.

Visit the initiative on Codeplex today!