About Using Header Substitution Variables

You can include configuration management information in the form of a file header for certain types of items. For example, in a C program, the file could include a header section giving details about the file such as its filename, revision, lifecycle status, and item ID.

In Dimensions CM, you can add a header that contains substitution variables that refer to attributes of an item revision. The variables are expanded dynamically when you get a copy of, preview, or build the item.

For example, you could show the specification of an item in the item file. The following header:

%PCMS_HEADER_SUBSTITUTION_START%

Name:

%PID%

%PCMS_HEADER_SUBSTITUTION_END%

Would produce this text:

Name:

PAYROLL:BONUS C.A-SRC;1

You can embed multiple headers anywhere in a file.

There is also a reversible header expansion syntax available to allow expanded files to be edited and then delivered back into Dimensions, without losing the original file structure. For more information, see the Process Configuration Guide.

NOTE Dimensions CM does not carry out Item header substitution when performing an Update from a stream.