[Monotone-devel] data exchange between archives

[Gerhard Schuck]

Hi

I'm not sure whether I can ask this on a developers list as I'm a
non-technical and also new user of monotone having very basic
questions. I'm using monotone alone, mostly for LaTeX source files on
a desktop and a laptop computer, which I synchronise over a
usbstick. Probably I will use a network depot later.

I like monotone because of it's distributed approach and lightweight
character (like tla, unlike svn) and it's very clear usage concept
(like svn, unlike tla) though the SHA1 approach was a hurdle first and
the (well organized) documentation is naturally aimed at a more
professional audience than I am. Most of the basic usage of monotone
is no problem though.

Now my question: How do I change data between archives? More
precicely, how do I transport a) one certain status of a branch (as
described in a manifest, e.g. the head) or b) a whole branch (from
initial import to head(s) including all changelogs) from one archive to
another on the same computer. With tla I think at least a) is done with
tagging. I'm not asking for the setup of a network depot. And that's
one part of my problem: I don't know how to apply the available
information about the new netsync protocol or about "propagate" and
"fetch"/"post", which is aimed at exchange with a network depot, to my
more simple scenario. The other part is that I can't apply the "Packet
I/O" commands either. As far as I understand, "mdata" is only related to
the content of the manifest, not the files listed in one manifest, and
fdata to one single file. And how I should use fdelta/mdelta in my
case isn't obvious for me too. Or do I have to use all of them to get
manifests, files and all relevant certs transportet?

Best regards

Gerhard Schuck