Comparing workflow by using Rational ClearCase XML Diff Merge

Compare XML files to see what changes have occurred among two or more contributors. You might compare files to prepare for a merge by previewing unresolved differences.

These are the basic steps for comparing files in Rational® ClearCase® XML Diff Merge:

  1. Start the compare operation in one of the following ways:
    Start a compare from Description
    Version Tree browser Compare two contributors (ClearCase versions) from the Version Tree Browser.
    ClearCase Explorer or Windows Explorer element list Compare the current version of a selected ClearCase element with its previous version.
    XML Diff Merge Open Rational ClearCase XML Diff Merge as a stand-alone application to compare any set of contributors, including those outside ClearCase version control.

    All contributors must contain well-formed XML. If an XML syntax error is detected, the XML Diff Merge Parse Error window opens.

    Tip: In the first two methods, the Rational ClearCase type manager starts XML Diff Merge. Using this integration with Rational ClearCase is usually the simplest way to work with XML elements that are under Rational ClearCase control.

    By comparison, you can work in standalone mode to compare any XML files in your file system; this requires that you specify most parameters.

  2. In the Comparing window of XML Diff Merge, compare contributors and understand the differences.
Attention: By default, XML Diff Merge uses ID attributes when matching nodes. These settings cannot be changed on the xmldiffmrg command line or in other Rational ClearCase tools that use the type manager. However, you can start a stand-alone XML Diff Merge session and modify the ID matching settings in the Options window. When you exit XML Diff Merge, your settings are saved in the Windows registry.

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