SVN prevent commit without lock? -

i need prevent users committing 1 specific file under svn unless got lock it. used svn:needs-lock property , want, there limitation there - users cannot edit file locally testing purposes. these model (devex - xml) files, , while merging them giant pain (hence need lock) i'd give users ability modify file locally, prevent them checking in without getting lock.

can done? how?

the purpose of lock in subversion isn't strictly prevent users committing - it's prevent users locally editing file can't merged when perform update later.

svn locks there facilitate communication between users - not intended airtight "this locked down" system. if you're having frequent issues developers conflicting on these locks, need better communication between them.

if users need edit file locally without taking lock, can remove read-only attribute on local copy manually - long understand ramifications of doing (they won't able update/merge until revert local changes).

an alternative make model "template" , require users make local copies editing purposes. lock, update , commit template when they're done changes , ready share others. see the subversion faq more. you'll still have merge issue contend with. again, communication solution here, not software.