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A Free and Handy Folder and File Comparing Application

Depending on the type of work that you have, you might need some folders constantly updated with the latest changes in your files. However, having to open both folders simultaneously to look for differences that might cause errors in the future can be a pain. Luckily, various tools can help you in this regard. A suitable example is DiffMerge. This file comparison app created by SourceGear gives you the possibility to view two documents side-by-side and have its differences automatically highlighted. It can also compare couples of folders based on different rules and provide detailed reports. 

Spot the Difference

DiffMerge is specifically designed to offer great comfort when you are using programming languages. As mentioned, the app relies on a set of different rules to identify differences. Loading a file splits the main window into two sections, with one showing the original file while the other displays the modified one. With this, you can view the two files at once to see if there’s anything amiss. If you wish to view three files at once, you may do so with the app. Using the three-way difference manager, you can view the original file in the center sandwiched between the two modified files. 

Folder comparison works the same way. The app displays the files of selected directories with the possibility of opening the files with differences in a separate manager for further editing. DiffMerge supports multiple tabs to help users compare the folders and files better. The comparison viewer is pretty intuitive, displaying the differences on individual rows in a tree list, with colors to indicate the types of differences. The app even allows you to define the colors yourself. 

However, as far as the visual design is concerned, DiffMerge can be quite confusing and overwhelming, especially if you are not familiar with this kind of software. There are a variety of functions at your disposal that you might need time to learn how each of them works. Once you get the hang of it, though, it can make your work a little easier. 

Edit or Merge

Once DiffMerge finds all the differences in your file, you are free to edit the documents. While the management window is active, you are free to modify the content of the newer file or copy the whole content of the original file. This function works for both the side-by-side comparison and the three-way comparison. The app even lets you import the differences between the two files to the original document. 

Unfortunately, the folder and file merging options can be a little difficult to use. You can only copy from one of the sides, and you would have to be extra cautious when saving the files because the app does not ask you whether or not a new file is to be created. Once you hit the save button, your original file will be overwritten.  

To End With

Taking everything into consideration, it is safe to say that DiffMerge is a powerful tool that you can use to compare, analyze, and synchronize your files and folders. The app has an abundance of management tools at your disposal, making it perfect for those who speak coding as their mother language. However, while the app easily spots the differences in your documents, you must still take caution, especially when editing and saving. 

DiffMerge is an advanced folder comparison and synchronization, file comparison and merging utility for windows. Take control of your source code, web pages and other files with DiffMerge.

Use it to compare, understand and combine different file versions. DiffMerge ishighly useful for software developers, web designers and other professionals.

The tight integrationbetween folder and file comparison makes it easy to identify and review every change in every source file, even when comparing source hierarchies containing thousands of files.

Whether you are working with multiple revisions of files or need to keep multiple folder hierarchies in sync, DiffMerge could help save time and reduce errors by helping you to work quickly and accurately.

Compare and Synchronize Folders DiffMerge supports folder hierarchy comparison and synchronization, enabling you to compare and merge entire directory trees.

This is ideal for detecting changes in different versions of source code or web pages. You can even use the efficient byte-by-byte comparison option to check the integrity of recordable CDs.

Compare and Merge Files DiffMerge enables you to compare and work with different revisions of text files, such as program source code, XML and HTML files.

It supportsASCII, MBCS and Unicode. A color-coded side-by-side comparison makes it easy to pinpoint at a glance similarities and differences between files.

DiffMerge shows detailed highlights of changes within lines. It can be configured to ignore differences in whitespace, comments, line endings and character case, as well as changes in lines matching specified regular expressions.

The latter is useful for ignoring unimportant changes such as timestamps or expanded version control keywords. The in-place editor with unlimited undo enables complete control over the merged file as you create it.

DiffMerge will automatically recompare documents after every change done. Generate and Print Reports You can create comparison reports in HTML format with support for syntax highlighting.

PROS

  • Easily Spots the Difference Between Files and Folders
  • Allows Three-Way Comparison
  • File and Folder Merging Option
  • Completely Free

CONS

  • Startup Time Can Be Slow
  • Lots of Functions Available Can Be a Little Overwhelming
  • Does Not Create a New File Whenever You Save a File
  • Allows Users to Copy Content from One of the Sides Only

Program available in other languages



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Laws concerning the use of this software vary from country to country. We do not encourage or condone the use of this program if it is in violation of these laws. Softonic may receive a referral fee if you click or buy any of the products featured here.