Wed Sep 25 06:50:54 UTC 2024: ## New Mercurial Extension Simplifies Multi-Repository Operations

**A new Mercurial extension, “All Dirs,” allows users to execute the same Mercurial command across multiple repositories with ease.** Developed by the Python community, the extension is designed to streamline workflows for users who maintain multiple Mercurial repositories.

**Key Features:**

* **Simplified Command Execution:** Users can execute any Mercurial command in multiple repositories with a single command, simplifying common tasks like pulling updates or checking status.
* **Flexibility:** The extension does not require a parent repository, allowing users to apply commands to any set of repositories regardless of their relationship.
* **Error Handling:** The extension provides comprehensive error handling, reporting which repositories encountered issues during command execution.
* **No Need for Parent Repository:** Unlike other extensions that rely on a parent repository to define project structure, “All Dirs” operates directly on the repositories found on disk.

**Installation and Usage:**

The extension can be installed using pip:

“`bash
pip install mercurial-all-dirs
“`

To execute a command in multiple repositories, simply use the `hg alldirs` command followed by the desired Mercurial command:

“`bash
hg alldirs status
“`

**Example:**

Imagine you have repositories located at:

* ~/src/libs/acme
* ~/src/libs/net/aaa
* ~/src/libs/net/bbb

The command `hg alldirs status` will execute the `status` command in each of these repositories.

**Alternative Extensions:**

The article also mentions alternative extensions like Subrepos, OnSub, and Forest which support operations on repository groups, but they require a parent repository for defining project structure. “All Dirs” provides a more flexible approach for working with multiple repositories without requiring a parent repository.

**Development and Support:**

The development of “All Dirs” is tracked on HeptaPod. Bug reports and enhancement suggestions are welcome through the issue tracker on HeptaPod.

**Conclusion:**

“All Dirs” is a valuable tool for Mercurial users who manage multiple repositories, simplifying common operations and providing a more flexible approach to working with repository groups. The extension’s ease of use, comprehensive error handling, and lack of reliance on a parent repository make it a powerful addition to any Mercurial workflow.

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