Creating Patches

To create a patch we encourage using eclipse with the subversive plugin, see ToolBase for details. Here is a walk through of the process of creating a patch:

• First off, we recommend having a project in eclipse dedicated for storing patches. Just a "general project", for example with the name "Patches".
• Make sure to update your project before creating the patch, so that you patch from the most current version.
• If you've added any files (as opposed to just modifying existing files) to the project, start by right clicking on them and selecting "Team -> Add to Version Control".
• When you're done preparing your work, right-click the project and select "Team -> Create patch ..."
• Select the "In workspace" option and browse to point out your "Patches" project.
• Give the patch a filename consisting of the ticket number, a short description and the .patch suffix, for example "ticket_22_kaspers_improvements_for_gui.patch".
• Please don't include changes in .project and .classpath files unless your changes concerns general project configuration changes.
• Press the Finish button.
• Attach the patch and a comment (for example just "here's my patch to the ticket") on the ticket you have been working on.

Tips for getting your code approved

Here are a couple of pointers for new contributors, who want to improve the quality of their contributions.

• Remember to follow the coding standards, see JavaCodingStandards.
• Unittests are seen as a big plus, see UnitTesting.
• Use the MailingLists for communications and be open about your ideas and intentions.
• Documentation is always a good thing.