Beyond Compare / WinDiff

riluve · 01-26-2005, 01:47 AM

Is there a good Linux alternative for these programs? Their basic function is to compare text files side by side.

Oh, I think Multi-Edit has a good compare function - is there a Linux ME?

friend3141 · 01-26-2005, 02:00 AM

Try this out..
http://xxdiff.sourceforge.net/

Dark_Helmet · 01-26-2005, 03:25 AM

Have you looked at the available options for diff? It is extremely flexible and includes the --side-by-side option.

Code:

$ diff --side-by-side test.c test2.c 
#include <stdio.h>                                              #include <stdio.h>

int main()                                                    | int main(int argc, char *argv[])
{                                                               {
  printf( "Hello World!\n" );                                     printf( "Hello World!\n" );
                                                              >   if( argc > 1 )
                                                              >     printf( "You entered %s as an argument.\n", argv[1] );
  return 0;                                                       return 0;
}                                                               }

It may not be the prettiest you've ever seen, but it is available (along with tons of other options to control what's reported).

friend3141 · 01-26-2005, 03:50 AM

xxdiff is only the GUI.
It can use any external search programs like "diff" or any other external program.
So all the options of "diff" will be available plus pretty.

Dark_Helmet · 01-26-2005, 04:14 AM

That was my mistake. The "you" in my first sentence was directed at riluve. I just wanted to point out diff does have the ability to compare text files side-by-side, and that the man pages should be checked for any other options that might be useful. Sometimes people go looking for a replacement when there's no need, but there are times when the basic tool doesn't fit the bill. The only way to know for sure is to read up on what the tool is capable of.

friend3141 · 01-26-2005, 04:22 AM

you said it!

Eventhough the cmd line tools have longer learning curve, you would really appreciate it later...

Long live linux

riluve · 01-26-2005, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by friend3141
you said it!

Eventhough the cmd line tools have longer learning curve, you would really appreciate it later...

Long live linux

LOL - well thnx guys I appriciate it. Not to be contrary though - just seriously honest - Beyond Compare has such features that 95% can not be done with a cmd line tool. Yes, OK, I am spoiled, but it's like comparing Windows XP with DOS, its just wrong at a fundamental level. Windiff is a different story, its just a GUI around a text based application, but Beyond Compare is simply amazing. Windiff is basically what xxdif looks like - i mean - its OK.

Esp with all the text developement that goes into Linux, I am surprised Scooter hasn't done a Linux implementation. It even comes with the recommendation of Gibson Research Corp, which I think is impressive as well. You will find that probably 90% of Assembly development done on in a windows environment is with the aid of Beyond Compare.

OK, so I am sure I sound like a fanboi - but Beyond Compare is the Doom3 of text editing/development. Asking someone to not use Beyond compare is like asking a dentist to use whisky for an anistetic. Its simply barbaric.

I guess I am saying - dang I want to start a campaign for a Linux BC.
http://www.scootersoftware.com/home.php