Course Title: Mastering Team Foundation Server (TFS)

Course Overview: This course provides comprehensive training on Microsoft Team Foundation Server (TFS), a powerful tool for source code management, project tracking, and collaboration in software development teams. Students will learn how to effectively use TFS for version control, agile project management, build automation, and release management.

Course Duration: 8 weeks (2-3 hours per week)

Module 1: Introduction to Team Foundation Server

  • Overview of Team Foundation Server (TFS) and its features
  • Understanding the role of TFS in software development lifecycle
  • Exploring the TFS user interface and navigation
  • Creating a team project in TFS and configuring project settings

Module 2: Version Control with TFS

  • Introduction to version control concepts (check-in, check-out, branching, merging)
  • Setting up version control repositories in TFS (TFVC, Git)
  • Working with source code files and folders in TFS
  • Performing basic version control operations in TFS

Module 3: Branching and Merging in TFS

  • Understanding branching strategies and best practices
  • Creating and managing branches in TFS
  • Performing branch merges and resolving merge conflicts
  • Implementing branch policies and code reviews in TFS

Module 4: Agile Project Management with TFS

  • Introduction to agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban)
  • Setting up agile boards and backlogs in TFS
  • Managing sprints, user stories, and tasks in TFS
  • Using TFS reports and dashboards for project tracking

Module 5: Build Automation with TFS

  • Overview of build automation in TFS
  • Setting up build definitions and build agents in TFS
  • Configuring build triggers and schedules in TFS
  • Analyzing build results and logs in TFS

Module 6: Test Management with TFS

  • Introduction to test management in TFS
  • Creating test plans, test suites, and test cases in TFS
  • Running manual and automated tests in TFS
  • Analyzing test results and generating test reports in TFS

Module 7: Release Management with TFS

  • Understanding release management concepts in TFS
  • Setting up release pipelines and environments in TFS
  • Automating deployment tasks and approval workflows in TFS
  • Monitoring and tracking release progress in TFS

Module 8: Customization and Extensibility in TFS

  • Customizing process templates and work item types in TFS
  • Creating custom reports and dashboards in TFS
  • Integrating TFS with third-party tools and services
  • Developing TFS extensions and plugins using Visual Studio

Module 9: TFS Security and Access Control

  • Understanding TFS security principles and mechanisms
  • Configuring security settings and access controls in TFS
  • Managing users, groups, and permissions in TFS
  • Implementing data protection and compliance policies in TFS

Module 10: TFS Administration and Maintenance

  • Performing routine maintenance tasks and backups in TFS
  • Monitoring TFS server health and performance
  • Upgrading and patching TFS server installations
  • Troubleshooting common issues and errors in TFS

Module 11: TFS Integration with Other Tools

  • Integrating TFS with Visual Studio IDE for seamless development workflows
  • Integrating TFS with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Project)
  • Configuring TFS integrations with CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, Azure DevOps)
  • Using REST APIs and webhooks for custom integrations with TFS

Module 12: TFS Best Practices and Optimization

  • Implementing best practices for using TFS effectively
  • Managing large-scale projects and distributed teams in TFS
  • Setting up project templates and standards for consistency
  • Continuous improvement and optimization of TFS processes

Module 13: TFS Tips and Tricks

  • Exploring tips and tricks for maximizing productivity in TFS
  • Customizing keyboard shortcuts and navigation in TFS
  • Using TFS add-ons and extensions to enhance functionality
  • Staying up-to-date with TFS updates, releases, and new features

Module 14: TFS Community and Resources

  • Participating in TFS community forums and user groups
  • Accessing TFS documentation and knowledge base resources
  • Participating in TFS training and certification programs
  • Networking with other TFS users and experts

Module 15: Capstone Project

  • Students will work on a capstone project to apply the skills learned throughout the course
  • Project topics may include setting up a comprehensive project in TFS, automating build and release pipelines, or optimizing TFS processes for a real-world project

Assessment:

  • Assignments and quizzes after each module
  • Mid-term and final exams covering the entire syllabus
  • Evaluation of the capstone project

Prerequisites:

  • Basic understanding of software development concepts and methodologies
  • Familiarity with Microsoft development tools (Visual Studio, Azure DevOps)