The Generic Version Control Module

The Generic Version Control module is effectively an object wrapper for your version control system (VCS), which integrates it into the Forte for Java environment. This module is designed to be compatible with any commercial version control system that uses a command-line interface (CVS, RCS, SCCS).

You can mount directories that are under version control just as you would another filesystem. Files accessed through it have all the properties of files mounted from local directories (such as access dates and attributes) as well as two additional properties: file state and locker status. You can access version control commands by right-clicking the file's node.

Every version control operation is called in an asynchronous manner, so that you can do your work without having to wait for commands to complete. The file state and locker status of a file will not necessarily be visible until the Generic Version Control Module needs this information and requests it from your version control system.

Many of the calls to your version control system (such as retrieving status information) happen automatically, behind the scenes. However, there are some actions that must be performed manually, such as committing changes.

Before you can use the IDE's version control features, you must install your version control software according to the instructions provided with it. Then you need to configure the IDE's Generic Version Control module according to your needs and set up the working directory it will use.

If you use a CVS system connected to a pserver, it is necessary to be logged in using the command line before you can work with the filesystem in the IDE. You can log in by executing the command cvs -d :pserver:USERNAME@HOSTNAME:REPOSITORY login (for example: cvs -d :pserver:anonymous@cvs.xmms.org:/cvs login).

Since the Generic Version Control Module is designed to work across many platforms, operating systems, and version control systems, some configuration is necessary to get the systems interacting properly. Your version control system is called from within the context of a command shell. Particularly on Unix systems, it is important to choose the right shell. Refer to your version control system's documentation to determine the best choice.

For further information on setting up and using the Generic VCS module, see:

Configuring a VCS Filesystem
Customizing for CVS
Customizing for PVCS
Customizing for Visual Source Safe

Dispatching Commands to the Version Control System
Modifying VCS Command Parameters and Variables

VCS Command Properties
The LIST Command
Variables in VCS Commands

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