Changing Workbench's default editor to use an external editor

Products

• CA Harvest Software Change Manager - OpenMake Meister
• CA Harvest Software Change Manager

Issue/Introduction

Some of the files in our project have non-ascii characters that the default text editor in Workbench does not handle very well.  However, another external editor like Notepad++ displays and  updates these files correctly.  Is there a way to configure Workbench to use an external editor with certain file types?

Environment

Harvest Software Change Manager 12.x and higher

Resolution

Workbench can be configured to use a specific external editor for pre-determined file types.

1. In SCM Workbench go to Tools->Preferences->General->Editors->File Associations.
    
   
   
2. Next to the upper "File types" list, click the "Add" button to add the needed file extensions to the list.
   
   
   
3. With the file extension highlighted in the "File types" list, click the "Add" button next to the lower "Associated editors" list.  Select the "External programs" radio button, and click the "Browse" button
   
   
   
4. Navigate to the executable you want to use to open the specified file type.  Select the file and click "Open"
   
   
   
5. With the application now included in the list of editors, ensure it is selected and click "OK"
   
   
   
6. Back on the "File Associations" screen, with your desired application selected in the "Associated editors" list, click the "Default" button.  Finish by clicking the "Apply and Close" button.
   

Now, if you double click on a file with the specified file type, it will open in the external editor you selected.

 

 

Additional Information

More information about the Workbench and Eclipse preferences that can be set is found here: Set Workbench and Eclipse Preferences