Configuration management in software engineering requires software development processes that are efficient, organised and flexible. Configuration management tools in DevOps are thus useful in streamlining software development processes by relying on testing and customer feedback for making a product more valuable. DevOps support thus ensures automated workflows, which are dynamic, fast and scalable.
Software configuration management meaning is not that complex. It helps track and control changes within a software and prevents any chances of software issues or faults. All changes unauthorised in nature within applications and servers can be detected through configuration management tools. Establishing baselines and revision control are core practices comprising configuration management system. It also helps in documenting functional capabilities and tracking interdependencies.
Software configuration management tools help manage version control, synchronisation and concurrency of such processes.
Software configuration management processes help establish and complete multitude tasks involved in development of a software product. The various stages to the management process are:
The first step is to identify items, which aid in managing software configuration. These products form the core of any software platform and require absolute perfection before moving on to the further stage.
Change control assists in the management of various updates that occur within the items required for development of software solutions. After all, the very core of a software solution is constantly updating with new features and enhancements.
Version control facilitates the management of different versions of a software. Versions are constantly being created based on system requirements, characteristics controls and key functioning areas.
Configuration auditing increases the useful value of any software as new enhancements keep getting attached to the application in question. Configuration in a software product is constantly evolving and such changes need to be tracked to maintain the quality of the software.
| Configuration Management Tools | Programming Languages |
| Jenkins Software Configuration Management | Python, Ruby, Java, Android and C/C++ |
| Ansible SCM in Software Engineering | Ruby, Python, Bash, etc. |
| CFEngine SCM Tool | Written in C and supports all popular architectures and platforms |
| Puppet SCM Configuration Tool | C++, Ruby and Clojure |
| CHEF Configuration Management Tool | Ruby, Erlang, etc. |
| JUJU Configuration Management System | GO |
| Bamboo Server Configuration Management Tool | JAVA |
| Octopus Deploy | Python, PowerShell, Bash, C#, F# |
| Rudder SCM Tool | C, Scala, etc. |
| SaltStack Configuration Management Tool | Python |
Configuration management tools are the core component of any software development process. With such tools keeping a track of all updates regarding versions, configurations and features. Choose any one of the following software configuration management tools for your business or individual requirements.
Jenkins open source configuration management tool builds and tests deployment of software development stages for IT projects from beginning till the end. The continuous integration and delivery feature is used for maintaining workflow processes that is mandatory for completion of projects.
Jenkins configuration SCM tool provides the extensions and plugins used for software configuration management in software engineering.
Key features of Jenkins:
Jenkins Pros and Cons
Supported OS: Windows, Mac OS X and Unix.
Price: It is currently unavailable for a free trial. More details about price can be accessed by contacting the software’s official website.
License Type: Open source
Programming Languages: Python, Ruby, Java, Android and C/C++
Suggested Read: Best Continuous Integration Tools (CI Tools) for DevOps (Updated List)
Ansible open source configuration management tool is deployed primarily for software configuration management. It is also used for scaling automation, speeding up productivity and managing complex deployments.
Used for managing configurations of codes/products, the application controls and provides insights for scaling automation.
Key features of Ansible:
Ansible Pros and Cons
Supported OS: Linux, Unix-like, MacOS, Windows
Price: The enterprise automation platform is available for free trial. Please connect with the official software website for individual price plans.
License Type: Open source
Programming Languages: Ruby, Python, Bash, etc.
CFEngine open source configuration management tool automates complex IT infrastructure projects with fast solutions that take very short time in execution of such projects.
Because of its large-scale project handling capacity, this SCM tool offers several compliance checks. It is one of the best configuration solutions for conducting multiple compliance checks in vast production environments.
Key features of CFEngine:
CFEngine Pros and Cons
Supported OS: Windows and UNIX
Price: CFEngine enterprise edition is available on annual basis whereas the community version can be downloaded for free up to 25 nodes. Cost details of enterprise edition to be accessed by contacting the software’s website.
License Type: Open source
Programming Languages: It’s written in C and supports all popular architectures and platforms.
Puppet software configuration management system is used for mitigating security risks with the help of cloud native infrastructure and applications.
The application helps manage infrastructure delivery through fast and reliable solutions that also help increase employee satisfaction and productivity. With workflow automation, Puppet SCM tool ensures smooth deployment of cloud-native applications.
Key features of Puppet:
Puppet Pros and Cons
Supported OS: Linux, Mac OS, Unix and Windows
Price: You can use the trial version of enterprise edition Puppet configuration management tool.
License Type: Open source
Programming Language: C++, Ruby and Clojure
CHEF is one of the configuration management tools in DevOps processes used for automating application delivery, configuring infrastructure and auditing compliances. You can use the analytics tool for cross team collaborations with the help of actionable insights and auditable history section.
Key features of CHEF:
CHEF Pros and Cons
Supported OS: UNIX, Linux, Mac OS, IBM AIX, Windows and AT&T
Price: There are three packages available based on the number of modes- Launch, Standard and Premium. More details are available on the official website.
License Type: Open source
Programming Language: Ruby, Erlang, etc.
Automate big software operations with the help of JUJU configuration management tool. The function of configuration management in software engineering makes possible the running of big data applications in multiple places without changing any deployment methods. You can streamline operational codes as well through the JUJU SCM’s configuration management capabilities.
Key features of JUJU:
JUJU Pros and Cons
Supported OS: Mac OS, Ubuntu and CentOS
Price: With JUJU, you can create your own solution. The price support is available on request at JUJU’s official website.
License Type: Open source
Programming Language: GO
Bamboo Server integrates, deploys and delivers automated builds for software delivery as well as code deployment.
Use this software configuration management system for assigning agents to build and creating multi-stage build plans.
You can further run parallel automated test to track the impact of changes on the software. Bamboo software configuration tool also assists in smooth deployment.
Key features of Bamboo:
Bamboo Pros and Cons
Supported OS: Cross platform support based on Java.
Price: For small teams, the application is available at a price of around ₹720 whereas for growing teams, it costs around ₹60,432.
License Type: Open source
Programming Language: Java
Octopus Deploy turbocharges build systems and controls servers by compiling codes and running tests. Octopus Deploy is used also for configuration management in software engineering by automating deployments and operations for keeping the software running. It helps manage releases and automate complex application deployments.
Key features of Octopus Deploy:
Octopus Deploy Pros and Cons
Supported OS: Windows
Price: Octopus Deploy is free for teams as small as those involving only ten target deployments. Beyond it, the specialised configuration management tool in DevOps charges around ₹679 for one target on monthly basis.
License Type: Open source
Programming Language: Python, PowerShell, Bash, C#, F#
Rudder open source configuration management system helps manage compliance and configurations of a system. This SCM tool combines continuous audit and configuration management. You can also use graphical configuration for managing nodes.
Key features of Rudder:
Rudder Pros and Cons
Supported OS: Ubuntu, Debian, Linux, CentOS, Slackware, IBM AIX
Price: You can use Rudder enterprise plugins on trial basis for a period of thirty days. Annual subscription provides detailed features for web management, auditing, integration and support. Details regarding charges for annual subscription are available on software’s website.
License Type: Open source
Programming Language: C, Scala, etc.
SaltStack open source configuration management tool deploys infrastructure as code mechanism for automating configuration, managing networks, orchestrating SecOps and remediating vulnerabilities within different stages of software development. The project management process in software engineering application depends on Push model for executing commands through SSH protocol.
Key features of SaltStack:
SaltStack Pros and Cons
Supported OS: Windows and Linux
Price: The enterprise version of this open source software configuration management tool costs around ₹11,396 per year per machine.
License Type: Open source
Programming Language: Python
Summary
Use the version control and textual friendly software configuration tools for managing change control processes involved in development of software product.
Business competition in the business environment demands that businesses be streamlined, both in operations and… Read More
It might be difficult to monitor an employee's path from hiring to dismissal closely. Every… Read More
When selecting the best ERP software for your business, it only makes sense to survey… Read More
There is no doubt that remote access technology has proven to be very helpful in… Read More
Introducing Xoriant Corporation, leading player in the era of product development, engineering, and consulting… Read More
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn't indexed by standard search… Read More
