What is configuration management primarily concerned with?

Configuration management is primarily concerned with controlling changes to maintain software integrity. This practice is essential in software development as it ensures that any modifications made to software are systematically managed and tracked. By doing so, configuration management helps prevent issues that may arise from uncontrolled changes, which can lead to defects, inconsistencies, or even failure in deployments.

In a software development lifecycle, configuration management encompasses activities such as version control, change management, and establishing baselines for software modules. It allows teams to maintain a clear understanding of the software's state and history, facilitating collaborative work while ensuring that every team member is aligned with the current version of the software.

This focus on managing changes not only preserves software integrity but also enhances reliability and maintainability of the software over time, leading to better quality and reduced risks during development and deployment.