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xmlclearcase

Why Won't Clearcase Explorer Diff My XML Files?

I have a situation in Clearcase where I right click to find checkouts and then right click any xml. When I choose "Compare with previous versions", it just pops up with an "XML Diff Merge - Comparing" window that stays minimized in my taskbar.

Strangely enough, it doesn't have this problem with Java files, just the XML ones. Does anyone know how to fix this?

Solution

  • XML files are managed by a different type manager.
    That explains the difference between a text file (.java) and an xml one.

    Depending on the size, structure or encoding, the ClearCase xml diff tool can hang (or crash)

    As detailed in "Any way to use a custom diff tool with cleartool/clearcase?", the diff tool for xml file (xmldiffmrg) is declared (and can be changed in) "C:\program files\rational\ClearCase\lib\mgrs\map"

    text_file_delta   compare          ..\..\bin\cleardiff.exe
text_file_delta   xcompare         ..\..\bin\cleardiffmrg.exe
_xml2             compare          ..\..\bin\xmldiff.exe
_xml2             xcompare         ..\..\bin\xmldiffmrg.exe

    In your case, I suspect the diff works, the windows open, but outside of the screen:

    cleardiffmrg

    Check your registry in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Atria\ClearCase\CurrentVersion\: you could find a section dedicated to cleardiff, with screen coordinates that you would then be able to reset.

    More simply, the OP Phil Cote comments:

    You were right that this was showing up outside the window.
    The regedit turned out to be unnecessary.
    I did a right-click "move" which made cross arrows appear. Then I hit an arrow key and the window just popped up right at my mouse cursor.
    I'm guessing it's one of those silly beginner windows tricks I had never known about til now.

    You can see that process detailed in "Windows 7 rightclick menu from toolbar like ALT-SPACE?"