ViCiouS Pro Release 1.01.04
---------------------------
Low cost version control for Borland's Delphi and C++ Builder
This package contains the evaluation version of ViCiouS Pro. We hope you
find this product useful and affordable.
Note: The ViCiouS Pro online help contains a Version Control Primer that may
also be of use to you.
Features
--------
Following is a taste of the features and functions available in the current
release:
* Integrates with your development tools
ViCiouS Pro integrates directly with the Delphi 1.x, Delphi 2.x,
Delphi 3.x, and C++ Builder 1.x Integrated Development Environments (IDEs).
* Supports any type of file
Use it to manage your Delphi projects, design documents, help files, test
data, batch files, and demos.
* File Families
Two or more files can be recognized and manipulated as one logical file.
For example, the files ABOUT.DFM and ABOUT.PAS would be recognized as a
Delphi form and handled together as one file. ViCiouS Pro is bundled with
file family definitions for:
1. Delphi projects, forms, and units
2. C++ Builder projects, forms, and units
3. Resource files
4. Paradox tables
5. dBase tables
Note: You can use or change the definitions provided as well as create
your own family definitions.
* Share files
Re-use your code by sharing it across multiple projects. Allows you to
update code in one spot and have the change automatically cascade to the
other projects.
* Customize shared files
When you find it necessary to tailor a shared file to a customer's
specific needs, use Customize to branch an instance of a shared file from
the main line of development.
* Synchronize projects
For team development, Synchronize makes sure the latest project changes are retrieved to your working directory. This feature is also useful for updating working directories containing shared files.
* Keyword expansion
Embed version control information and comments within your files as they
are checked in. You have control over keywords and can make standardized
history blocks on a per file extension basis (i.e., you can use one format
for C++ files and a totally different layout for Object Pascal files).
Even better! Allow keyword expansion to embed release information within
your files as you retrieve a release. Now your About box will contain the
correct release name, release date, and release time.
* Visual differencing
ViCiouS Pro uses the Beyond Compare file comparison toolkit licensed from
Scooter Software. Visual differencing allows you to see the changes in
your source code files and in Delphi form files. Differencing is
integrated with the check in process, the Archive Explorer, and the Show
History feature.
* Label files
Allows you to attach a name to a specific file version for future reference.
* Create snapshot
Allows you to stamp a product release (i.e., '1.0', '3.1.05').
* Show History
Provides a detailed history of your archive directories and files, listing
information on an event-by-event basis. Allows you to view the comments
associated with each event and to retrieve older versions of your files.
* Hide files
When a file is no longer needed for a project, the Hide file feature
allows you to retain the file in the archive yet exclude it from further
development. Hidden files may be restored to active status at any time.
* View files based upon status
Allows you to see hidden files, checked out files, or files checked out by
specific users.
* Centralized Archive
All files are stored in compressed format in a centralized archive
accessible via a Local Area Network (LAN). Supports multiple projects
organized into their individual directory structures. As a result, your
archive directory structure can mirror your development directory
structure.
* Multiple archive support
For those situations where you need to separate your source code down
project or functional lines, use the multiple archive support to quickly
create and switch between source code archives.
* Multi-user
From one to twenty users may work from the same source code archive.
There is no limit imposed on the number of users, however we see twenty as
the realistic upper bound.
* User identification
Login ID and an optional password identify users. Users are automatically
connected to the source code archive if they have logged into the
workstation on Windows NT & Windows 95.
* Integrity checking
ViCiouS Pro calculates a CRC for each file as it is checked into the
archive. When a file is checked out, the CRC is recalculated and compared
to the original CRC. This verifies that what you put in is what you get
out.
* Usable outside of a development environment
ViCiouS Pro includes an Archive Explorer that provides access to your
projects and files outside of the IDEs.
* Administration tool
The included admin tool allows you to create and modify users and file
family definitions.
* Data Maintenance
ViCiouS Pro is delivered with tools to check and maintain the integrity of
your database ndices and tables. A requirement despite ViCiouS Pro's
great safety record.
File Families
-------------
Have you ever copied a Delphi *.PAS file and forgotten to also copy the
associated *.DFM file? What about that resource file and its associated
include file? ViCiouS Pro refers to these as file families.
A file family is a set of files bearing the same filename, having unique
extensions, and requiring the presence of one another to produce your
product.
When you tell ViCiouS Pro that you want to add a Delphi project file to the
archive, ViCiouS Pro will bring along its *.OPT or *.DOF and *.RES files.
You won't have to deal with three files, only one. Better yet, ViCiouS Pro
lets you customize its file families. You can modify the definitions
delivered with the product or create your own.
Changes in this release
-----------------------
Sections describing the known problems and limitations follow the list of
changes.
The changes in this release are as follows:
1. In the evaluation period, the number of tries has been increased from 30 to 60. The number of tries in the grace period has been increased from
7 to 14.
2. 16-bit keyword expansion is now enabled and working.
3. Workgroups can now retrieve the latest changes from the database using
the Synchronize command. Synchronize compares the timestamp of files in
the working directory to the corresponding files in the archive. If the
archived version is more recent, it is retrieved into the working
directory. Synchronize skips files that are already checked out by the
developer.
4. You can now tailor an instance of a shared file to a particular
customer's needs using the Customize command.
5. In the IDE interface for Delphi and C++ Builder, you can now list all of
the files checked out by yourself within the current project. The
Checked Out Files window allows you to check in and/or difference the
files.
6. You may create and switch between multiple source code archives.
7. You can now move a file from one archive directory to another.
8. In the Add Files wizard, the project tree has been moved to its own page.
9. In the Add Files wizard, the file listbox was replaced with an improved
listbox. The new listbox allows you to sort the files based upon name,
date, or size.
10. In the Add Files wizard, replaced the filter combobox with the
capability to specify custom file filters (e.g., *.PAS, *.DPR) in a memo
field.
11. The performance of the Add Files wizard has been improved when adding
large numbers of files to the archive.
12. Archive creation and maintenance are now centralized within an Archive
Tool.
13. Improved the online help.
14. In the definition of a file family, you may now have certain files left
in a modifiable state even though the file has been checked in. This
capability was added to support products that tend to modify specific
files regardless of whether the file is read-only. For example,
C++ Builder tends to write to the project MAK file even though you
haven't changed the project. CodeRush tends to write to the BKM file
even though the BKM file may be read-only.
15. When checking in files, double-clicking a file in the file list now
invokes the Differences Viewer.
16. When performing version control operations in the IDE interface, the
interface no longer attempts to save the project file if the project
file is not checked out. Previously, this was resulting in too many
requests to save a read-only project file.
17. Corrected the caption on the "Please wait" forms for labeling and taking
a snapshot.
18. When you create a new archive directory, the directory is now
alphabetically positioned among its siblings.
19. The "History keyword required" message now contains the name of the file
in which the keyword was missing.
20. The warning message for deleting a shared file now states that only this
particular instance of the file will be deleted.
21. Added troubleshooting information for database-related errors.
22. When retrieving an individual member of a snapshot, the outgoing
keywords within the member are now expanded.
23. If the Add Files wizard is invoked from the Archive Explorer and the
current archive directory has a working directory then the Add Files
wizard positions its drive combobox and directory listbox to the working
directory.
24. The "Get local copy" parameter in the Check Out wizard was changed to
"Don't get local copy". This flag is always disabled when the wizard is
first invoked.
25. Improved the performance of the routine that reads the archive directory
structure from the archive.
26. If keyword expansion is enabled, keyword expansion now rereads the
keyword settings prior to each Check In or Get Latest operation.
27. In the Archive Explorer, the archive directory structure automatically
updates when a directory is added or deleted by another user.
28. After creating a new archive, you are given the opportunity to add user
definitions to the archive.
29. In Show History, the Next and Previous Version menu options are now
reversed.
30. A file family cannot be deleted from the Admin Tool if one or more files
in the archive belong to the family.
31. ViCiouS Pro now recognizes BDE 4.5.1 and is delivered with the
appropriate TUTIL32.DLL.
32. The Cancel button now works in the Add Files, Get Latest, Check Out,
Check In, and Undo Check Out wizards.
33. The Archive Explorer was crashing during automatic refresh if it was not
positioned to an archive directory within the left-hand tree view. This
no longer occurs.
34. Get Latest now retrieves subdirectories of files without crashing.
35. The CLIENT16 and CLIENT32 utilities now check for the existence of the
BDE on the developer's workstation.
36. The VICIOUS.HLP file has been moved from the 16BIT and 32BIT
subdirectories to the DOC subdirectory. Developers will need to
re-execute CLIENT16 and/or CLIENT32 in order to update the shortcuts on
their workstation.
37. Keyword expansion now indents comment lines after the first comment line.
The lines are indented to the start of the first line of comments.
38. The Add Files wizard would periodically appear in a maximized state.
This no longer occurs.
39. During Check In, the version control manager was trying to recalculate
file families for the checked in files. Under certain circumstances
this would cause an error. The version control manager now uses the
file family assigned to the file when the file was first added to the
archive.
40. Previously, if a file extension were deleted from a file family then the
version control manager would encounter an error during check in. The
version control manager now determines whether the file extension is
still included in the file family. If the file extension is still
included, it asks you about the situation.
41. All archive tables are now created as Level 5 Paradox tables.
Previously, the file storage tables were created at Level 7. This
resulted in the 16-bit release being unable to read the tables.
42. When checking out a file, the date and time are now set to the date and
time of the latest version in the archive. Previously, the file was set
to the current date and time.
43. If the first page were skipped in the Get Latest or Check Out wizards,
the Overwrite Handling parameter was ignored. Overwrite handling now
takes effect even if the first page of the wizard is skipped.
44. The Maintenance page of the Archive Tool now displays the total size of
each table. Prior to this release, only the size of the *.DB files was
displayed.
Known problems in the current release:
--------------------------------------
* 16-bit release only: If you do the following then the BDE may become
corrupt:
1. Start and use the Archive Explorer.
2. Start Delphi 1.x and use the ViCiouS Pro interface.
3. Shut down the Archive Explorer.
4. Use Delphi 1.x
This does not damage your archive. It appears that if you shut down the
first application using the BDE while the other application is active then
the BDE may be corrupted. You will then either need to remove the BDE DLLs
from memory with the help of a utility or reboot your workstation. This
problem was actually present in Release 1.00.03. This problem also occurs
when running the Admin Tool and Archive Explorer at the same time. We are
investigating this problem.
* When checking in files, ViCiouS Pro uses the date stamp of the primary file
as the modification date. Instead, ViCiouS Pro should find the most
recently modified file in the file family and use that date stamp as the
modification date. This may affect the Synchronize operation.
* If you check in a project file through the IDE using the Check In
xxx.DPR menu option (instead of Check In Project File), you may receive
the message "File is already loaded in another editor" when the IDE
attempts to re-open the project.
* The Differences Viewer has not been upgraded to the current Beyond Compare
release.
Limitations in the current release:
-----------------------------------
* Cannot Customize a previous version of a shared file. Customize is
currently enabled for only the latest version of a shared file.
* Files cannot be renamed once they are added to the archive.
* Archive directories cannot be renamed once they are created.
Technical Support
-----------------
SureHand Software is committed to delivering quality products. If you
should encounter problems with this product or have questions concerning its
use, contact SureHand Software through one of the following means:
Email: Support@SureHand.com
Web site: http://www.surehand.com/feedback.htm
Mailing address:
SureHand Software
8816 Manchester, Box 193
St. Louis, MO 63144
Phone: (314) 963-1935
Fax: (314) 968-2964
Barring holidays and vacation, SureHand Software will respond within two
business days upon receipt of a problem or question.
SureHand Software is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals
(ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you.
If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member
by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP
Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but
does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to
the ASP Ombudsman at 157-F Love Ave., Greenwood, IN 46142 USA,
FAX 317-888-2195, or send email to omb@asp-shareware.org.
Copyright/Warranty/License
--------------------------
Your use of this software indicates your understanding and acceptance of the
following license agreement and warranty. If you do not understand or accept
these terms, you must cease and desist using this product immediately.
For additional information about the evaluation period, please see the
Evaluation Policies.
Copyright
---------
This product (in whole or in part, including all files, data, and
documentation, from here on referred to as "Product") is (c) Copyright
1997-1998 SureHand Software, all rights reserved, and is protected by United
States copyright laws, international treaties and all other applicable
national or international laws. The sole owner of this product is SureHand
Software.
LIMITED WARRANTY
----------------
This evaluation version of ViCiouS Pro is provided for evaluation only, on
an "as is" basis.
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, SUREHAND SOFTWARE
DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES RELATING TO THIS SOFTWARE, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. NEITHER THE SELLER OF
THIS SOFTWARE NOR ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CREATION,
PRODUCTION, OR DELIVERY OF THIS SOFTWARE SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT,
CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO
USE SUCH SOFTWARE, EVEN IF THE SELLER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES OR CLAIMS. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE SELLER'S LIABILITY FOR ANY
DAMAGES EVER EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE LICENSE TO USE THE SOFTWARE,
REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF THE CLAIM. THE PERSON USING THE SOFTWARE BEARS
ALL RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE.
Restrictions
------------
You may not use, copy, modify, translate, or transfer the product or any
copy except as expressly defined in this agreement. You may not attempt to
unlock or bypass any copy-protection or authentication algorithm utilized by
this product. You may not remove or modify any copyright notice, nor any
"about" dialog or the method by which it may be invoked.
License for Use and Distribution
--------------------------------
This software is made available to you for evaluation purposes. You are not
obtaining title to the software or any copyright rights.
You may install and use this product on one or more personal computers, in
either a single-user or multiple-user configuration. Each person may
evaluate the product for a period of up to 30 days or 60 tries, whichever
comes first. If you use this software after the evaluation period, a
registration fee is required. When payment is received, you will be given
authorization codes and/or pre-payment tokens that provide full and
unlimited access to the product.
Limited Distribution License
----------------------------
Permission is granted to individuals charging no fees, and to BBSes User
Groups, Mail-Order Disk Vendors, CD-ROM publishers, and BBS File-Distribution
Networks, Networks regardless of fees, to distribute ViCiouS Pro, provided
they convey a complete and unaltered copy of this product, and provided they
claim no ownership of these products.