Configuration management and software configuration identification

Configuration Management (CM) is a process used to manage and control the evolution of software products throughout their lifecycle. It involves the identification, control, and tracking of changes made to the software product, including its artifacts, such as source code, documentation, and libraries.

Software Configuration Identification (SCI) is a subset of the configuration management process that involves the identification and naming of software artifacts, such as files, directories, and libraries, and the management of changes to these artifacts.

The SCI process begins with the identification of software artifacts, which are typically stored in a configuration management database or repository. Each artifact is given a unique identifier, such as a filename or a version number, to facilitate tracking and management.

As changes are made to the software artifacts, the SCI process ensures that the changes are properly documented and tracked. This involves maintaining a history of changes to each artifact, including the date, time, and reason for the change.