Eschew Obfuscation: "svn: Malformed network data" error in Eclipse

"svn: Malformed network data" error in Eclipse

Max Dunn — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 10:37:00 -0800

Several weeks ago, I changed from a Windows laptop to a MacBook. After I got Eclipse setup and went to check-in some code to RubyForge, I received an error:

svn: Commit failed (details follow):
svn: Malformed network data

At first I figured that this was just a problem with the RadRails Subclipse module on my Mac, but then I tried it on my old Windows computer that used to work fine, and got the same error!

After googling around, it seems that this is a known issue when SVN server is updated to version 1.4, but older clients are used. The clients were fixed in October, but there hasn’t been a new official Subclipse build so the automatic Eclipse update doesn’t help. I spent a day trying to figure out how to compile a new Eclipse version, but no luck.

However, there are two workarounds. First, the svn command line works fine.

The second workaround relies on the fact that the changed files are actually committed, but that the error just prevents the local svn repository from recognizing that. So after the error, doing an “update” will merge the changes and everything will be good.

If you have added or deleted files, however, the update trick won’t work. In this case, it is necessary to delete the entire directory that contains the added or deleted files. Be sure to do this outside of Eclipse with Explorer or Finder! Then update the files and it will bring everything down fine.

Versions

Program	Version
RadRails	v.0.7.1
Subclipse	1.0.3
svn command line	1.3.1

Fix

Mark Phippard added a comment explaining the problem. Here is a summary:

The issue is JavaSVN. It had a problem talking to Subversion 1.4.x server. RadRails can be used with Eclipse 3.2 and then you can install Subclipse 1.1.9 which includes SVN 1.4 clients.

So I installed Eclipse 3.2 and RadRails on top. However, when I installed Subclipse according to the instructions:

Eclipse: Help => Software Updates => Find and Install
Search for new features to install
New Remote Site
URL => http://subclipse.tigris.org/update_1.0.x

it gave me version Subclipse 1.0.3. The trick to get Subclipse 1.1.9 was to use the update site:

URL => http://subclipse.tigris.org/update_1.2.x

""svn: Malformed network data" error in Eclipse" by Eric Troyer

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:17:34 -0700

I’m running EasyEclipse Server Java 1.2.2.2 on my Mac. I tried updating svn using http://subclipse.tigris.org/update_1.2.x but I get an error “Unable to complete action for feature “Subclipse” due to errors. The error says (Permission Denied). Any one know the solution?

""svn: Malformed network data" error in Eclipse" by Martin Saeta

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 04:05:43 -0700

Thanks for your help, this has been bugging me. I agree with Michael here, today it is September 08, and this bug is still not fixed, ridiculous.

""svn: Malformed network data" error in Eclipse" by Michael Nygard

Sat, 24 May 2008 17:08:06 -0700

I see that you posted this in December 2006, yet the problem still persists in May 2008. Ridiculous.

Thanks for the explanation. I’ve been about ready to throw Eclipse out the window.

""svn: Malformed network data" error in Eclipse" by Max Dunn

Fri, 08 Dec 2006 14:42:26 -0800

I figured it out. You need to use http://subclipse.tigris.org/update_1.2.x (not 1.0.x) to get Subclipse 1.1.9. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

""svn: Malformed network data" error in Eclipse" by Max Dunn

Fri, 08 Dec 2006 14:30:29 -0800

I installed Eclipse 3.2 and updated to 3.2.2. However, when I install Subclipse from http://subclipse.tigris.org/update_1.0.x it gives me version Subclipse 1.0.3. How do I get Subclipse 1.1.9?

""svn: Malformed network data" error in Eclipse" by Max Dunn

Fri, 08 Dec 2006 11:49:10 -0800

Thanks for your comments Mark, they were very helpful!

""svn: Malformed network data" error in Eclipse" by Mark Phippard

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 12:36:22 -0800

The issue is JavaSVN (now called SVNKit). It had a problem talking to Subversion 1.4.x server. Native Subversion clients going back to 1.0.0 should work fine with a 1.4.0 server.

RadRails can be used with Eclipse 3.2 (it might even include that by default). If necessary, update your Eclipse base to 3.2 and then you can install Subclipse 1.1.9 which includes SVN 1.4 clients.

Other option is to just use JavaHL. Instructions for getting JavaHL for various operating systems are in the Subclipse FAQ.

Mark