Configuration Management - Definition and Purpose

The general process of managing a changing software system to support system integration so all developers can access project code in a controlled way, find out what changes have been made, and compile and link components to create a system

Explanation

Configuration management is the general process of managing a changing software system. Its aim is to support system integration so all developers can access project code and documents in a controlled way, find out what changes have been made, and compile and link components to create a system. It is essential because change happens constantly in software development - without it, developers may overwrite each other's work or use wrong component versions.