Perforce: The best damn software written… ever!
This will only take like 2 seconds so bare with me. Every now and then I get inspired and if I don’t capitalize and let my feelings out, the inspiration starts to dwindle within minutes. Therefore… my short little reflection on my favorite revision control system, Perforce.
Have you ever worked with a piece of software that does it’s job so well, you completely take it for granted? Be aware of this because when it happens (which is rare at the level I’m talking about) you’ve stumbled upon a gem.
Source code management is not necessarily rocket science but it is an essential tool for any developer. I’ve worked with many systems and hands down Perforce takes the cake. It just works and that’s what makes it so beautiful. The system is rock solid and runs on about every platform you can think of.
Is it free? No. Is it worth the hefty pricing? Every penny of it! Too strong of a statement? You tell me but source code is for many software companies their only asset and protecting it is worth the price. Plus, I’ve yet to find a better system (and yes, I still look around). Therefore, why settle for anything less?
Like I said, inspiration like this at the software level doesn’t come too often so I had to give a shout out when I felt it. ‘Nuff said!
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Wouter, and 
Sheri are discussing. 
Sheri 10:09 on June 12, 2008 Permalink |
Wow, thanks for taking the time to vocalize your effusive reflection– it’s nice to hear. Also, liked your post ‘change happens.” Sheri
Wouter 01:48 on September 3, 2008 Permalink |
You must be joking right? The whole internet is full of examples why Perforce just *doesn’t* work for anything else than plain ‘p4 sync’ and ‘p4 commit’ and requires you to crank out insane chains of command lines or scripts to *all* the other stuff (which is, like, daily practice for software engineers).
I guess you’ve never used any of the other SCM systems, rihgt? You know, the ones that are free, offer exactly the same functions as perforce and more, and can actually work *for* you instead of the other way around? Which all ‘just work’ like SCM systems *should* work.
Perforce is SCM from Hell, probably made by masochists. The fact that people are actually spending (and earning!) money with this piece of crap is astounding.
Scott 14:21 on September 5, 2008 Permalink |
Wouter,
I definitely respect your experiences with Perforce… as in the end, I guess that’s all we have.
Given that, Perforce has always been solid for me and has not failed in 7 years of using it (at two different companies). For me, it just “works” and we do some pretty intensive branching schemes.
The post was more of an inspirational moment than anything else. From a developer’s perspective, using software that “just works” is always a blessing. I’m definitely not going to push anyone in any direction. These have been my experiences. I’m sorry to hear yours have not been so great.
Better luck and thanks for the comment!