[Zope3-Users] Copy / Move ZODB Content From "Dev" Zope3 Instance to "Production" Zope3 Instance?

[Jeremy Roberts]

Linux 686
python 2.4.4
Zope-3.3.1


Hi all,

I'm curious if there is a handy way to copy / move content objects 
between Zope3 instances? (where the interface definitions for those 
object types agree across instances of course!)

Let's say I have one Zope3 instance used for development, and another 
for production for any particular project. Each use local ZODB Data.fs 
files for persistence.

Enhancements to application functionality are tinkered with in the dev 
instance, and when they are ready, they are moved to the production 
instance. File system components are ported between instances with 
source control (darcs! love it!) and any application objects that need 
to be added to the target instance's ZODB are handled via generations 
evolution scripts. Couldn't be much easier.

The piece that is missing for me is the ability to move content objects 
between the instances.

You see - during my testing process of the new functionality on the dev 
instance, I invariably wind up creating new  content objects to test and 
verify the new application functionality. Once I am satisfied of the 
application's behavior, and I'm ready to port the changes to the 
production instance - I find that I have a set of new content objects 
that now need to ALSO exist in the production instance's ZODB.

Currently I'm faced with creating those objects again in the production 
instance, and I'd really like to find away to avoid this duplication of 
effort. Especially because if I COULD copy / move content objects 
between instances, it would allow me to let additional parties test and 
create content objects on the dev instance and then trivially launch 
them to production.

This is my first cut at a sane development / maintenance strategy with 
Zope3 instances so any advice from a more seasoned camper is greatly 
appreciated!

Thanks,
-Jer