In subversion, hooks are written on a per-repository basis. Each hook is written in a descriptive filename (e.g. pre-commit) in a folder named “hooks” at the root of the repository. According to the BZR docs, hooks are typically installed globally (e.g. in the ~/.bazaar/plugins/ directory).
Is it possible to create, say, a pre-commit hook that is committed to the branch and that runs without a user having to install a plugin?
I see in the docs and in some code discussions a reference to something called “branch hooks,” which sounds promising.
I found this blog: http://schettino72.wordpress.com/2008/01/20/how-to-execute-tests-on-a-bazaar-pre-commit-hook/, which quotes:
“plugins in bazaar are not project
specific. so you cant control in which
projects (branches) your plugin will
be applied (it will be applied to
all).”
which is less promising. The blog gives a workaround in that you write and install a plugin that calls hooks in your repository if they exist. Ideally, I want not to rely on users to install plugins for a really basic hook to run, namely a simple test. Is this possible?
No, your users have to install the plugin to activate your hook.