Source code management
The team-development environment manages Smalltalk source code at four levels:
Methods
Individual methods (or scripts) are the smallest unit of source code that the library maintains. Each time a method is changed and saved, an edition of its source code is saved in the library, so that individual changes can be tracked and managed as classes are developed.
Classes
Classes (or parts), which typically contain several methods, are also tracked in the library. As the methods of a class become more complete, developers can create versions of classes, and share them with other developers.
Applications
Sets of classes are collected into applications. Developers can also create and share versions of applications.
Maps
Sets of applications form configuration maps. Maps provide an easy way to share applications with the entire team of developers. Maps can also be used to import and export sets of applications between libraries.
Unlike traditional source code management systems, where source files are checked out and checked in, VA Smalltalk's access control authorizes groups of developers to work on specific classes and applications. Day-to-day, these group members create new editions of methods and classes. Each class, application, and map also has a single owner, or manager, who can release stable versions of it at appropriate times.
Last modified date: 01/29/2015