*Updated 4/4/2011* Previously I introduced Files Compare Tool for this task, but after some time I found that it lacks certain features and doesn't support Unicode (chinese words for example). Winmerge is the better software overall and it never let me down.
I found this tool extremely useful for programmers when they need to find out what has been modified from the original. This tool will show you the difference between two files (text only) instantly.
1) Run Winmerge and click 'File' -> 'Open'
2) Select the two files you wanted to compare (left and right) and click OK.
3) The difference will be highlighted very clearly as shown below:
End Note:
If you use this program a lot and were looking for an even faster way to do this, read on..
1. Run Winmerge and click 'Edit' -> 'Options'.
2. Click 'Shell Integration' on the left panel, and check all the 3 options as shown.
3. Now, everytime you need to compare two files, either..
- Select the two files in Windows Explorer, right click and click 'Compare'.
- or if the two files are not in the same folder, right click the first file and click 'Compare To', then right click the second file and click 'Compare'.
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Good post
Good post. Simple and interesting tool for checking files. Useful to check programming code etc.
Have You tried Beyond Compare
Have You tried Beyond Compare from Scooter Software Inc.? It's still the best. You have to pay for it, but they have also a trial version.
Re: Have You tried Beyond Compare
Nope haven't tried Beyond Compare yet.. thanks for your recommendation :) Winmerge does everything I expected it to be and it's free.. maybe you could list down some of the features that beyond compare has so I know what I'm missing :)