Cannot merge using ClearCase Remote Client (CCRC)

Question

Linux - Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server release 6.4 (Santiago) Rational ClearCase Remote Client, Version: 7.1.2, Build id: 7.1.2.D100920

I am trying to merge from a subbranch back up to a higher (parent) branch using CCRC and the Version Tree screen. When I select the version to merge and right-click, the "Merge To View Selected Version..." option is disabled (grayed out). If I perform this same operation at the server (using Windows Clearcase Explorer), it works fine - same domain, same user, same password (or same account) and same config spec.

Is there some permission that may be turned off with the CCRC to disallow graphical merges? I suspect I am doing something wrong, because I do not find any other complaints about this.

Thanx

Answer 1

CCRC is able to diff and merge through the version tree.

But if the merge isn't directly available, I would first:

• checkout the destination version (the one onto which you want to merge)
• try and merge from the source version to the checked-out one.

7.1.2 should have the fixes mentioned in earlier CCRC merge bug (like this one).

The option, even available, can still have a bug in 7.1.2, when an external tool is configured in the CCRC settings, but not available on the computer: see this technote.

From Window > Preferences, navigate to Team > ClearCase Remote Client > Integration > Compare/Merge and choose "ClearCase External" as the default tool for comparing and merging files.
In the version tree, right-click on a file and choose "Merge to View Selected Version." The file will be checked out, but no merge will happen, and no error will display.

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The OP Herb Miller adds in the comments:

I have been told that a snapshot view can only see an element in a view from one branch, and that is why I cannot checkout the destination element in CCRC. In the ClearCase Explorer, the views just happen to be dynamic.

The issue is related to snapshot or dynamic view, but also related to how a merge works:

You can merge from any version (even in a CCRC web - snapshot-like - view).
But you can only merge to a version:

• selected by your current view
• able to be checked out by your current view.

In other words, the important part of a merge from the version tree isn't the source version (on which you will right-click and select "Merge To View Selected Version...", but the destination version.

If you right-click (in order to trigger a merge to another version) on a version currently selected by your snapshot view, I am not surprise that the merge option is grayed: a snapshot view can only check out a version visible and selected, that source version is the only "destination" for that merge: you wouldn't be able to merge that version on itself.