Configuration Management
Configuration Management is the practice of managing code, environments, tools and processes in a way that maintains integrity over time.
Goal
The goal of configuration management is to deliver a reliable and repeatable way of building and deploying our software.
Context
In the context of autonomous, empowered product teams, configuration management is critical for maintaining speed, quality, and consistency. It supports teams in managing dependencies, automating builds and deployments, and keeping a reliable record of product iterations and configurations, thus enabling rapid and safe delivery of value to users.
Configuration Elements
| Element | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Code Versioning | The practice of tracking and managing changes to software code, typically using version control systems like Git. | Enables collaboration, change tracking, and rollback. |
| Configuration Versioning | Managing changes to configuration settings that affect how software is built, deployed, and runs in different environments. | Ensures consistency and reliability across environments. |
Inputs
| Artifact | Description |
|---|---|
| System Architecture | The structure and behaviour of the software system, including its components, interactions, and dependencies. |
Outputs
| Artifact | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Versioned Code | Snapshots of the software at various points in time, capturing both code and configuration state. | Enables rollback, auditability, and understanding of changes over time. |
| Versioned Configuration | Snapshots of the environment settings and tools used to build and deploy the software. | Ensures consistency and reliability of deployments. |
Anti-patterns
- Lack of Version Control - Not using version control systems for both code and configuration changes.
- Enabling Manual Changes - Allowing manual changes to code and configuration settings, leading to inconsistency and unpredictability.