Good file comparison tool

[99WhiteBeast]

I'm dealing with multiple versions of csv files (6 file sets of 66 files each) in which I'm trying find nuances.

Any recommendations for a file comparison tool that will save me time and my eyes:icon_eek:

I'm seen a few out there but don't know one from the other.

[Silver_2000]

I use beyond compare (http://www.scootersoftware.com/) - never used it for csv files but I use it for php text files all the time

I think you can try before you buy - its great stuff

Im using V2 looks like V3 is now out -been using it since 2005

Im paying the $15 to upgrade - not going for the pro version - dont think I need it

[Sandman]

+1 for beyond compare. I've used it for years to compare code files.

You can do folder compares and see which ones are different using the binary diff. If you convert the files to csv, it should be able to handle that using the data comparison and you'll be able to see the exact differences.

http://www.scootersoftware.com/moreinfo.php?zz=screenshot&shot=DataCompare

[Silver_2000]

looks like the new version handles csv specifically

It also compares images and other stuff

will be fun to test


A Data Compare session compares text files containing tabular data, such as .csv (comma separated values) files, in a side-by-side or over-under layout. The files are displayed in two grids that scroll together and the data is compared cell-by-cell.
http://www.talonclub.com/forum/datacompare1.zoom33.jpg (javascript:HMToggle('toggle','TOGGLE0186A1'))
The display shows comparison columns, not necessarily the columns as they are organized in the data files. For example, the first comparison column may be comparing the third column of the left data file against the fifth column of the right file. See Data Compare Column Settings (http://www.talonclub.com/forum/data_compare_columns.html).
By default, Data Compare sorts your files before comparing them and aligns rows with matching key columns. You can define any combination (http://www.talonclub.com/forum/data_compare_columns.html) of comparison columns as the key. If you specify an unsorted alignment, Beyond Compare will not sort the files, but will still only align rows with matching keys.
The display uses color to highlight differences. A row with a light red background indicates an important difference somewhere on the line, while light-blue indicates an unimportant difference. The light red background takes precedence over the light blue. This makes it easy to find differences, even if they are horizontally scrolled out of view. You can adjust these colors (http://www.talonclub.com/forum/file_view_colors.html) to suit your preferences.

[L8 APEX]

He said 6 66:evil:bows

[99WhiteBeast]

Thanks for the recommendation- great tool and time saver:bows

[Silver_2000]

v 3 has some new features that may actually force me to read the help but its a cool tool