Patent ID: 8495099

Claim:
A method for use in a data processing environment comprising processing means, memory means, user input means and display means to produce a current view of a data source from a memorized data source that can vary, each source being in the form of hierarchical structure of data objects, the method comprising the following steps: determining and storing a reference of the view to the data source, locally applying by the user input means at least one tool for modifying at least one data object of the data source, to produce a transformed data object, storing a set of difference data (diff) in the memory means, representing the effect of the modification actions made by the user using the one or more tools, and generating a current view of the data source from the current version of the data source and said set of difference data, said current view including the current versions of the objects in the data source except that any changes in the smallest source objects encompassing said modifications are not reflected in said current view, whereby local modifications are prioritized over source changes for said smallest source objects.