Best Practices for Storing Programming Projects for Software Engineering Internships

When you are an intern in software engineering, it is crucial to manage your programming projects effectively. This not only helps you keep track of your work but can also ensure your projects are legally protected and aligned with your employer's policies.

Version Control and Project Organization

Version control is essential for managing your projects. Tools like Git, Subversion (SVN), Mercurial, or Team Foundation Version Control (TFS) are widely used in the industry. These tools help you keep track of project changes, collaborate with peers, and maintain a history of code modifications.

Git and Other Tools

Git is one of the most popular version control systems in use today. Tools like Maven, Gradle, and build systems such as Jenkins and Bamboo are commonly integrated with Git to enhance the project management experience. For continuous integration and delivery purposes, Jira can also be used to manage the development workflow.

Understanding Your Employer's Policies

One of the most critical aspects of managing your projects is understanding your employer's policies. As an intern, you are working on behalf of the company, and any projects you create during this period belong to the company, not to you.

Company Policies and Contracts

Before you begin working on any project, make sure you are familiar with the company's policies on file organization and the use of company files. This typically includes guidelines on how to store your code, what tools to use, and what systems to follow for version control. These policies are essential to avoid potential legal and civil consequences.

Your contract with the company is a crucial document. While some contracts may allow you to use and distribute the code you create however you like, others may restrict your rights. Always read your contract and any agreements you sign. Be aware that some companies may include clauses stating that all projects, even those worked on in your personal time, belong to the company.

If you work as a contractor, the situation can be more complex. The contract should clearly define intellectual property (IP) rights. These rights are usually worded in favor of the company, but that is what they are paying for.

Storing Your Projects

To store your projects effectively, follow these steps:

Choose a Version Control System: Use the source code vault that your employer requires. Git is a popular choice, but other systems like TFS, SVN, and Mercurial are also common. Use a Repository: Store your projects in a repository within the company's version control system. This ensures that your code is backed up and easily accessible by your team. Agree to Policies: Ensure that you agree to your employer's policies on project management and version control. Do not make arrangements with individuals outside the company; all agreements should be with the company.

Continuous Integration and Delivery

To streamline the development process, integrate continuous integration (CI) and continuous delivery (CD) into your workflow. Tools like Jenkins, Bamboo, and integration with Jira can help you automate testing, build processes, and deployment.

Conclusion

Effective management of programming projects as an intern is essential. By using version control, understanding your employer's policies, and following best practices, you can ensure your projects are well-organized and legally sound. Always prioritize transparency, collaboration, and compliance with your employer's guidelines.