mergeeditor

Mergeeditor refers to a class of software tools that provide a visual interface for resolving merge conflicts encountered when integrating changes from multiple branches in version control systems. They present changes side by side, highlight conflict regions, and allow editing to produce a coherent merged file.

Core features include side-by-side comparison, inline conflict resolution, syntax highlighting for various languages, navigation between conflicts, the ability to select changes from each source, and the option to edit the merged result manually. Advanced tools may offer automatic default resolutions, conflict markers suppression, and plugins/extensions to tailor behavior to workflows.

Usage and workflow: In typical workflows, a merge conflict triggers the merge editor to open as part of a VCS mergetool invocation. The user resolves conflicts, saves the merged file, and marks the conflict as resolved; the version control system then completes the merge. Some editors support integrating with rebase or cherry-pick flows; autosave and backups help prevent data loss.

Variants and integration: Merge editors can be standalone desktop applications, integrated IDE plugins, or web-based tools. They may be distributed as part of software suites or offered as open-source projects. They often integrate with Git, Mercurial, SVN, or other systems, and may provide command-line wrappers or GUI launchers.

See also: merge tool, diff viewer, version control system, Git, mergetool.