Using Robo's Versioning Control Features

[robogirl62]

I have never used versioning control with RoboHelp in the past. Was curious if anyone out there is using it in a single-author (not multiple authors) environment. If so, how and what benefits does it provide? I am thinking about possibly using it to help me keep better track of revisions to my company's disaster recovery plans. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

[Jeff_Coatsworth]

I don't think RoboSource provides any versioning; my understanding was that it was more of a check in/check out control system so that multiple authors didn't step on each others toes. Try checking in the RoboSource forum threads?

[Captiv8r]

Hi Jeff

Actually RoboSource does provide versioning. Otherwise there would be no way to revert to an older version of a page, no?

As for whether I'd recommend a lone author use source control... Personally I believe that's asking for some major headaches down the road. My vote is to avoid it for a single author and keep things simple.

Cheers... Rick

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[Jeff_Coatsworth]

Sorry, I don't use it, so I had no idea. Can you do multiple reverts once a topic is checked back in?

[robogirl62]

Rick,

By "headaches" are you referring to the 64-bit issue or other issues as well?

[Captiv8r]

Hi there

I'm not saying RoboSource is bad, but any layer you add in conjunction with RoboHelp introduces another possible layer where things may go wrong and require troubleshooting. So I like to keep things as simple as possible.

Personally, if I needed an ability to know what said what at specific points in time, I'd simply generate a CHM containing all content on a regular basis and name it according to when it was created. That would provide an easy way to locate and determine what was what.

Cheers... Rick

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[robogirl62]

Thanks - I may try that. My primary output is WebHelp but I can see where having a chm version with the specific date could be helpful for archival purposes.

[Captiv8r]

Actually, having a CHM version is more helpful than you think. By having CHM versions on hand you are able to very easily recover from catastrophic events. This is because CHM files are easily decompiled to give you most of the project back!

I've restored projects this way in minutes that would have taken hours or days otherwise.

Cheers... Rick