Using the Launcher

The Launcher enables WorldServer users to edit WorldServer assets in external applications on their machine, such as Microsoft Word, Macromedia HomeSite, and Altova XMLSpy. Additionally, the Launcher can handle merge conflicts in ClearCase by using a merge manager, such as Araxis Merge.

Before you can use the Launcher, you need to complete the Launcher installation and set up.

To set up the Launcher

Install the Launcher for Windows application. The installation link is on the WorldServer Home tab, in the Useful Links section.
Make sure that in WorldServer, the asset MIME types for your assets have an external application associated with them. Make the association in Management > Administration > Customization:MIME Types .
Make sure that all applications that can be launched are enabled to start from the command line.
When you choose In External Editor from WorldServer Explorer or you choose Edit Externally from the task list, the Launcher is invoked.

A browser window opens that packages up the WSL file and sends it to the client machine. This compressed WSL file contains an XML directive file that provides the Launcher application with its instructions. Also included in the file is the selected asset or appropriate merge assets.

This file is meant to be run immediately upon receipt from WorldServer, providing a real-time integration interface between WorldServer and third-party tools. The WSL file can be saved locally and launched at a later time. However, if the assets are updated in the interim by another user or process, any edits performed off-line will not be allowed to overwrite the updated asset in WorldServer.

To use the Launcher

After installing and setting up the Launcher, do one of the following:
- Select an asset in WorldServer Explorer, and choose Edit > In External Editor
- Select a task in the task list, and choose More Options > Edit Externally
The Launcher uncompresses the asset to a temporary location on your machine and notifies you that it is doing so. After the asset has been saved to the temporary location, the Launcher opens the appropriate Windows applications with the appropriate asset passed as arguments via the command line.
After the application starts, edit the asset.
While you are editing, you have the option to either cancel the editing or to save the asset and perform a manual upload.

After completing all of your work in the editor, close the application.

The Launcher prepares and submits the results of the work back to WorldServer. As the file is uploaded, you are notified of the operation progress and when the upload process is complete. If your WorldServer session has timed out, you will be prompted for your password.

Note: If the asset to be updated has changed since the WSL file was created, the upload fails and you are notified that the upload could not be completed.

The Launcher cleans up temporary files as needed and indicates success.