Version Control: Perforce (Helix Core)

While Git is great for code, Perforce (P4) is the undisputed king of Unreal development. As a Tech Lead, you must architect the P4 server correctly.

• The “Locking” Necessity:
  • In Git, if two artists modify Level_01.umap at the same time, you get a “Binary Merge Conflict.” The file is corrupted. Game over.
  • In Perforce, Artist A Checks Out the file. Artist B sees a “Locked” icon and cannot edit it until A submits. This saves projects from disaster.
• P4 Typemap (The Config):
  • You must configure the Typemap immediately. It tells the server how to treat specific files (e.g., .uasset should be binary+l -> Binary + Exclusive Lock).
• Streams (Branching):
  • Don’t just use “Main.” Set up P4 Streams:
    • Main (Stable, automated builds happen here).
    • Dev (Where the team works daily).
    • Release (Locked down for shipping).
  • You (The Lead) control the flow: Copy Up (Dev -> Main) and Merge Down (Main -> Dev).