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How do I remove files from source control?

There are two situations where you may find that you wish to remove a file from source control:

1. You added a file to the VOB accidentally while adding a large amount of files. The file may be a backup file, or a "~" file, or some other type that was never meant to be in source control in the first place. In this case, please email the VOB administrator or put in a help request  for the files to be removed. Include the view you are working on and the complete path and name of the file.
2. You are updating a directory and a current file is no longer needed. In this case use the following steps to remove the file:
1. Check out the directory
2. From the command line: cleartool rmname <filename>
3. Check in the directory

   This removes the file in the version of the directory that is on your branch (or otherwise visible in your view). You will need to perform a merge to bring this change to the project or main branch.

Why can't I see the Latest version of a file?

Sometimes you will merge your changes back to the product branch, and discover later that changes on that project branch are not visible in your view because you continue to see your old private branch version. The best way to avoid this problem is to frequently "obsolete" your branch and create a new private branch to work on, preferably after each merge.

How do I label? Why?

Labels can save "good" points in development. They can also be used to indicate the file configuration that was released to an internal or external customer.

How do I attach a label to a file or a series of files? Like branches, first create the type in the type explorer, then create instances of the type.

Creating the type:

1. Open ClearCase Home Base
2. Select the "administration" tab
3. Click the "type explorer" button
4. Select the VOB
5. Double click the "label type" folder
6. In the "type" menu, click "create"
7. Name your label in the dialog box, using all upper case characters.
8. Click "okay".
9. Click "okay" in the Properties Dialog Box.
10. Close the type explorer.

Creating instances of the label type:

To create a label on one file, or just a few files, it is easiest to use the ClearCase version browser:

1. Right click on the version of the file you wish to apply the label to.
2. Select Properties.
3. Select the "Label" tab
4. Right click in the label field
5. Select "Add Label" from the shortcut menu.
6. Type the name of your label in the dialog box.
7. Select "Okay"

To recursively label a directory structure it is easiest to use the GUI, make sure you have created the label type using the steps above:

1. Open ClearCase Home Base
2. Select the "Elements and Versions" tab
3. Click the "Apply Label" button
4. Click "Apply to a dynamic view"
   and then select the view with rules set for selecting the branches and elements you want to label. You should not have a CHECKEDOUT rule for the view your using.
5. Click the "Next" button
6. Select the VOB and or directories
   Click the "Add" button
   Labeling an entire VOB is the best method if so that a complete product build can be re-created
7. Click the "Next" button
8. Click the "Browse" button
   and select the label you wish to apply
9. Move existing label? Should normally be set to "No, thank you" unless it is one of your private labels that you move forward and reuse for a check point reference.
10. Enter the reason for labeling in the comment box
11. Click "Finish"

Be aware that this command puts the label on whatever version of the file your config. spec. sees, so be careful that you are labeling what you want!

You may move a label from one version of the directory tree recursively to another version. Using the config. spec. that sees the new version use this command from the command line:

cleartool mklabel –recurse -replace <LABEL_TYPE> .

What do I do with an old label or branch?

To obsolete a branchor label  (this will make it impossible to check out or in on your branch, so make sure you have all your files checked in first!):

1. Open ClearCase HomeBase
2. Click the "Administation" tab
3. Click the "Type Explorer" button
4. Select your VOB in the list that comes up
5. Double click on the "Branch Type" folder or "Label Type" folder
6. Double click on the icon for your branch or label
7. Select the "lock" tab
8. Select the "Obsolete" radio button
9. Click "Okay"

For labels, it is helpful to select "locked" after you have labeled so that your label isn't accidentally moved by another user to an incorrect version of the file. Follow the above instructions, but use the "locked" radio button rather than the "Obsolete" radio button.