> We are using an external code generator to generate a significant fraction > of the code in our project, which we maintain using TFS Source Control > (2005). In addition we have a developer who performs a lot of work offline > (obtains the latest copy of the code through a Citrix connection, copies it > to the local laptop, performs the changes, uploads the changes through > Citrix, performs ONLINE, checks in).
Ick... you really should be using the TFS Web Access instead. If you can't do that, maybe make a SVNBridge instance for him somewhere and let him use Subversion. > · The generator adds new files, which are not detected by Visual > Studio, resulting in a broken commit. This, I believe, IS resolved by > running ONLINE, however, currently this requires a developer to remember > this step, which unfortunately they don't always do. Then fire him. Seriously, if employees don't do simple things right, they aren't worth having. You can CATCH him if you setup a continuous integration build to trigger and nasty-gram broken builds to the last check-in user. > · Sometimes remote changes have overwritten changes made by other > developers, without attempting to merge, or warning of a conflict. Again, not doing proper merges is just plain lazy / stupid. Put down the law, or commit to doing 100% code reviews onshore (yes, I'm assuming this outside developer is an offshore, because I've seen this pattern OVER and OVER with them...) > · Possibly other issues, which we are still trying to track down. Yeah, like untracked SQL schema modifications, CONFIG file changes, forgetting to dupe-back the csproj/vbproj files, etc... been there. Not worth the trouble in the end. You're better off firing such weak-process people and hiring an intern that is willing to learn to do it the right way... > Is there anyone who has had similar problems, and has come up with an > elegant solution using TFS? Or is TFS 2005 not the right tool to source > control offline changes? If not, does anyone know if 2008 is any better? The TFS Web access is very nice, in my use... TFS 2008's offline support is better, and Subversion or GIT are better for offline than either, but NOTHING beats fixing the developer's mindset... http://musingmarc.blogspot.com/2006/02/off-shore-or-not-things-to-think-about.html -- "He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts… for support rather than illumination." Andrew Lang Marc C. Brooks http://musingmarc.blogspot.com
