Comparing Item Revisions and Files

Purpose

Compare item revisions and files to view the differences between them without merging their content.

Once you have specified details for the new item revision, Dimensions CM invokes either the Merge Tool or, in the case of UNIX platforms, the mgdiff tool, to enable you to view the differences between the items or files.

PRIVILEGES Browse Item.

To compare item revisions:

NOTE If you have not selected the Install native code option, you will receive an error message when Dimensions CM attempts to invoke the merge tool.

On the My Current Project tab or Items tab, select one or more item revisions (of the same item).

NOTE If you are working on a UNIX platform, you will not be able to merge more than two item revisions or files.

Click the More button and select Show Differences.
In the Show Differences dialog box, verify that you have selected the correct item revisions.
Complete the options on the Show Differences dialog box, choosing the item revisions and/or workfiles you want to compare

In the Revisions field, click the icon to add another item revision, and choose one from the list.
In the Workfiles field, click the icon to add another workfile file, and click the button to choose it.
Click the icon to remove an item revision or workfile from your selection.

When you have completed the dialog box, click the OK button. This will invoke the merge/difference tool for the platform you are using:

Windows: the Merge Tool is invoked.
UNIX: the mgdiff tool is invoked. Use the Help option for details of how to use this tool.

When you have finished, exit the merge tool, and in the Results dialog box click Close.

To compare files in a work area with item revisions:

On the My Current Project tab, expand the Work Areas node and click the node for the work area.
Expand the folder tree and select the folder in which the file is located.
Click the More button and select Show Differences.

The Show Differences dialog box appears showing the differences.

To compare item revisions using the History dialog box:

On the My Current Project tab or the Items tab, select the item.
Click the History button.
In the Revision History dialog box, select the revision that you want to use as the basis for a comparison.
Click the More button and select Show Differences.
Complete the options on the Show Differences dialog box, choosing the item revisions and/or workfiles you want to compare

In the Revisions field, click the icon to add another item revision, and choose one from the list.
In the Workfiles field, click the icon to add another workfile file, and click the button to choose it.
Click the icon to remove an item revision or workfile from your selection.

When you have completed the dialog box, click OK. This will invoke the merge/difference tool for the platform you are using:

Windows: the Merge Tool is invoked. Use the Help option or see "Using the Merge Tool" on page 597 of the User’s Guide for details on how to use and configure this tool.
UNIX: the mgdiff tool is invoked. Use the Help option for details of how to use this tool.

When you have finished, exit the merge tool, and in the Results dialog box click Close.