ClearCase is a version control system that allows developers to manage and track changes to their source code. One of the key features of ClearCase is its ability to perform recursive checkouts, which allows developers to check out an entire directory and all of its subdirectories at once. This can be a useful tool when working on a large project with multiple files and folders. In this step-by-step guide, we will explore how to perform a recursive checkout in ClearCase.
Step 1: Access the ClearCase Command Prompt
To begin, you will need to access the ClearCase command prompt. This can be done by opening the ClearCase Explorer and clicking on the "Start Command Prompt" button located on the toolbar. Alternatively, you can open the command prompt directly from your computer's Start menu.
Step 2: Navigate to the Desired Directory
Next, you will need to navigate to the directory where you want to perform the recursive checkout. This can be done by using the "cd" command followed by the path to the directory. For example, if the directory is located at C:\MyProject, you would use the command "cd C:\MyProject" to navigate to that directory.
Step 3: Verify the Current Status
Before performing a recursive checkout, it is important to verify the current status of the directory. This can be done by using the "cleartool ls" command. This will display a list of all the files in the directory and their current checkout status.
Step 4: Perform the Recursive Checkout
Now that you have navigated to the desired directory and verified its current status, you can perform the recursive checkout. To do this, use the "cleartool checkout -recurse" command followed by the name of the directory. This will check out all the files in the directory and its subdirectories.
Step 5: Verify the Checkout Status
Once the recursive checkout is complete, you can use the "cleartool ls" command again to verify the checkout status. This time, all the files in the directory and its subdirectories should have a "+" symbol next to them, indicating that they are checked out.
Step 6: Make Changes and Check In
With the files checked out, you can now make any necessary changes to the code. Once you are done, you can use the "cleartool checkin -all" command to check in all the files that were checked out during the recursive checkout. This will save your changes to the ClearCase repository.
Step 7: Verify the Check-In Status
To verify that your changes were successfully checked in, use the "cleartool ls" command once again. This time, all the files should have a "-" symbol next to them, indicating that they are checked in and no longer locked for editing.
Step 8: Repeat if Necessary
If you need to make further changes to the code, you can repeat the recursive checkout process. This will ensure that all the files in the directory and its subdirectories are checked out and ready for editing.
In conclusion, performing a recursive checkout in ClearCase can save time and effort when working on large projects with multiple files and folders. By following these simple steps, you can easily perform a recursive checkout and manage your source code efficiently.
