To check out files and directories

Checking out makes file or directory versions writable in your view.
  • To check out files and directories from a command prompt:
    1. In a view, use cleartool checkout. For example:

      This command checks out specified files in the current directory.

      cleartool checkout -query a.c b.c c.c

      This command checks out the current directory.

      cleartool checkout -query .
    2. Describe the changes that you plan to make.
    3. To finish entering comments, complete one of the following actions:
      • Press Return, type a period on a blank line, and press Return
      • On the UNIX system or Linux, press Ctrl+D on a blank line.
      UNIX system and Linux tip: On the UNIX system or Linux, you can cancel the checkout operation by entering a standard interrupt signal such as Ctrl+C before typing a period or pressing Ctrl+D.

      If you work on a UCM project, the versions that you check out are assigned to the activity currently set in your view.

  • On Windows systems only, you can check out using Rational® ClearCase® Explorer or Windows Explorer.
    1. In Rational ClearCase Explorer or Windows Explorer, access the view and select checked-out files or directories.
    2. Access the Rational ClearCase pop-up menu by doing one of the following:
      • In Rational ClearCase Explorer, right-click the selection.
      • In Windows Explorer, right-click the selection and click ClearCase.
    3. Click Check Out. The Check Out window opens.
    4. In the Comment field, describe your planned changes. Comments are displayed in the Properties Browser for the version and in the History Browser for the element.
    5. If you work on a UCM project, verify the currently set activity. To set a different activity (or, if you have not set the view to an activity), perform the following actions:
      • Select an activity from the list.
      • Click New to create and set a new activity.
    6. Perform one of the following actions:
      • To check out one file only, click OK.
      • To use the current settings in this window for all selected items, click Apply to All.
      • To interrupt the checkout process and to leave this and any remaining items checked in, click Cancel.
Parent topic: About checking out elements
Related concepts
About reserved and unreserved checkouts
How checkouts from snapshot views are done
How elements are checked out from dynamic views
Related tasks
To add elements (files and directories) to source control from the command line
To cancel a checkout
To check in files and directories
To check out hijacked files
To compare a version with its predecessor
To see the history of an element
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