Abstract: A data processing system and method for controlling files at a local development site within a geographically distributed multisite software development project includes a storage device, a processor, a mastership enforcer and an exchanger. The storage device stores a local replica including a plurality of files. Each file comprises a plurality of branches, and each branch comprises a plurality of versions of the file. The processor executes instructions, and retrieves and stores versions of the files in the storage device. The mastership enforcer provides the processor with the exclusive capability to modify specific branches by adding new versions of target files as determined by multisite mastership rules. The processor can create new versions of the target files, which are stored in the local replica within the storage device.

Abstract: A method for testing programs running under a Graphic User Interface (GUI) is provided. The method is especially adapted to work with GUI's operating in a network based display architecture, such as the X11 server release of X Window. The invention provides a mechanism to test several GUI based programs simultaneously while also allowing normal interactive workstation activities to continue. The invention does not require the use of a special X11 server, or the relinking of tested code. The invention may operate using either of two approaches, depending on the capabilities of the window system being used. The first approach uses a mechanism that duplicates the contents of a window into off screen storage. Since this memory copy of a window is guaranteed to be identical to the on screen window, it can be read in place of the screen contents to test for proper drawing.