Element files, relative paths and version control.

[bj]

I'm using EA 7.1 and am just starting to work with subversion version control using the private model outlined in the version control white paper.

I have several elements with files specified on the Files tab but they seem always to be stored with an absolute path. This prevents moving the project as a whole and makes the use of element files in a private model of version control nearly impossible (that I can see).

I have tried the Local Paths feature but the only file types available when adding a file are Local File and Web Address neither of these file types are directly supported in the Local Paths Type drop down. Even if I set up a Local Path for the file of the containing element type, the Apply Paths function has no effect.

So, is there a way to add files to elements using relative paths?

and

Are there any best practices for handling these external files using version control. I expect I can work something out if I can get the files stored as relative paths but would be interested in the suggestions or experience of others.

[Geert Bellekens]

If I read the help topic about local paths it only mentions source code files.
Although the local paths are also used for Version Control (which is not documented in that topic) I don't think you can use it for element files.

What I would do is store the element files in a the same (or a subfolder of) directory used for your Version Control, and manage the check-in/out outside of EA.

If not all the users have the same working folder path, at leas they have a way of knowing where to find the file.

Geert

[RoyC]

In the Help for EA Release 8.0, we have added the following sentence to the Local Paths topic:

'As well as generating code and reverse engineering, you can use local paths in version control, developing XML schemas, and generating RTF and HTML reports.'

[bj]

I was hoping for better news   but thanks for the reply.

Cheers,
~Blair