Deploying RoR apps from different branches

Rails
#1

I have a multi-environment configuration (local, staging, development)
in which I can deploy the same branch (ie…trunk) to with ease using
Vlad the Deployer. I’m struggling to figure out how to deploy a new
branch to my staging environment, without having to check out the
entire repository (subversion) onto the staging server.

Has anyone run into this problem and solved it?

Am I complicating things for myself? If so, what is a better way to
manage branches and deployments to various environments?

Thanks!
Ron

PS…I’m open to switching to a new deployment tool.

#2

The 26/07/11, BirdieTracker wrote:

Thanks!
Ron

PS…I’m open to switching to a new deployment tool.

I would try any DVCS.

–
Nicolas Sebrecht

#3

I’ve not used SVN for some years now nor Vlad the Deployer ever, but I’m
using Capistrano / GitHub, and it is possible there using the Capistrano
multistage extension. You simply define common parts of the
configuration
in a common file and any varying configuration parts (including SCM
branch,
in your case) in the environment-specific config file, and you’re off
and
running.

See:
https://github.com/capistrano/capistrano/wiki/2.x-Multistage-Extension

#4

I use capistrano and I don’t have to worry about any of that.
Sure it copies the branch to a “cached” area on the web server as well
as to the live area.
Setup is very simple. Have you tried it?

HTH,
D

#5

I’m stuck with SVN (enterprise requirement) but not stuck with Vlad.
I’ll check out Cap and see if that makes my like easier.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.