The Perforce SCM System

The Perforce Software Configuration Management System features comprehensive SCM capabilities built around a scalable client/server architecture. Users can access the Perforce Server through a range of Perforce client software. Perforce can be deployed quickly and easily, and requires minimal administration even for large or distributed sites.

View the Perforce data sheet [PDF] and brochure for an overview of the Perforce SCM system.

Components

Server The Perforce Server, P4D, manages access to versioned files, tracks user operations and records all activity in a centralized database.	Visual Client The Perforce Visual Client, P4V, provides a graphical interface on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Solaris and FreeBSD. It includes a built-in merge feature, as well as Perforce's revision graph and Time-lapse View tools.
Command-Line Client The Perforce Command-Line Client, P4, is highly scriptable and available on a wide variety of platforms.	Distributed Development The Perforce Proxy, P4P, offers caching technology to provide remote users with quicker response times and real-time access to project activity and status information.
Merge Tool The Perforce Merge Tool, P4Merge, provides graphical three-way merging and side-by-side file comparisons. Perforce client applications can also be configured to work with third-party merge tools.	Defect Tracking Perforce's built-in defect tracking system provides basic management for change requests. Integrations with leading defect tracking systems are also available to support more sophisticated workflow.
Reporting The Perforce Reporting System, P4Report, offers query and reporting capability. Reporting tools including Crystal Reports, Microsoft Access and Microsoft Excel access the Perforce database through an ODBC driver.	Web Client The Perforce Web Client, P4Web, turns your web browser into a complete user interface to Perforce.
Integrations Perforce integrates with a variety of third-party technologies including IDEs, defect tracking systems, build tools, graphical design tools, and Microsoft Office applications.	Windows Client The Perforce Windows Client, P4Win, is a legacy Windows-only graphical interface. The multi-platform Perforce Visual Client, P4V, is the next generation GUI client for Windows and other platforms.