1. A method implemented by a client computer and a server computer, related to a software artifact used in a software development environment operating on the client computer, the method comprising: storing in the server computer, artifact preferences, determined according to objective and subjective criteria, of artifact characteristics; performing an update cycle, including the server computer communicating to the client computer whether there is an actionable change to the software artifact with respect to the artifact preferences; and when the server computer communicates that there is an actionable change to the software artifact, the client computer performing an update action in the software development environment in response to the actionable change.