| Developer(s) | Scooter Software |
|---|---|
| Stable release | |
| Operating system | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Platform | Cross-platform |
| Size | 21.2 MB |
| Type | Data comparison |
| License | Proprietary |
| Website | www.scootersoftware.com |
Beyond Compare is a data comparison utility. Aside from comparing files, the program is capable of doing side-by-side comparison of directories, FTP and SFTP directories, Dropbox directories, Amazon S3 directories, and archives.[1] It is available for Windows, Mac OS, and Linuxoperating systems. A strength of Beyond Compare is that it can be configured as difftool and mergetool of version control systems, such as git.[2]
Recently I was trying to get a portable version of beyond compare from internet. But later I relaised that the installer itself provides an option for portable installation. Even the lisence will be available in the portable copy. 4.3.5 Build 24893. Plus, Beyond Compare also includes a very simple text editor, great for modifying programming files without having to resort to other external applications. You can also customize how differences between files are marked with colors or specific makers. Beyond Compare is a multi-platform utility that combines directory compare and file compare functions in one package. Use it to manage source code, keep directories in sync, compare program output, etc. Current Version: 4.3.7, build 25118, released Oct.
Reception[edit]
In an April 2009 review, Beyond Compare was awarded four out of five stars by CNET. The reviewers initially found the user interface to be 'a little overwhelming', but 'quickly got the hang of it', after using the program for a little while.[3]PC World writer Michael Desmond included the program in a 2005 list of utilities for a 'Trouble-Free PC'.[4] He highlighted the program's 'watch list' feature for particular acclaim.[4] Beyond Compare was featured in the March 2005 issue of the Windows IT Pro magazine, in the 'What's Hot' section.[5]
Scott Mitchell, writing for MSDN Magazine, identified the program's comparison rules as its most powerful feature.[6] The customizable rules control which differences between two files should be flagged as such. A set of predefined rules are included for the comparison of common file types, such as C++ source code, XML, and HTML files.[6]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^'Access Data Anywhere'. Scooter Software. Retrieved 2014-09-05.
- ^'Configure Git to use Beyond Compare for image diff'. 2013-09-10. Retrieved 2014-10-16.
- ^'CNET editors' review'. CNET. 2009-04-30. Retrieved 2009-10-20.
- ^ abDesmond, Michael (2005-05-03). 'The Trouble-Free PC'. PC World. Retrieved 2009-10-20.
- ^Mader, Carolyn (March 2005). 'What's Hot'. Windows IT Pro. Archived from the original on 2013-02-09. Retrieved 2009-10-20.
- ^ abMitchell, Scott (November 2006). 'Toolbox: Synchronize Files, Rich Textboxes, and More'. MSDN Magazine. Retrieved 2009-10-20.
External links[edit]
It is very common to store copies of the same file in more than one location - this may be for backup purposes, when working in more than one location or when designing a web site. Over time it can become difficult to manage files stored in multiple locations, particularly keeping track of which location contains the most recent version of files.
Beyond Compare is an advanced file and folder comparison tool that can be used to compare files stored in different folders, on different drives, or even online, before merging the changes you want to keep, synchronising files and generating detailed reports.
Byte by byte comparison is thorough yet fast and integrated support for FTP and Zip files means that the tool is ideal for working with the files involved in creating a web site. The program window can be used to preview files during comparison, and there is also the option of specifying external viewers to open particular type of file.
With a hugely flexible scripting language and scheduling support, there are countless uses for Beyond Compare, but it is ideal for creating backups of your important files.
The Pro version of Beyond Compare includes a number of additional features including three way merging which makes it possible to create a new merged content file after comparing files. There is also support for SFTP, text replacement and the ability to customise comparison views based on file type.
Verdict:
Beyond Compare Download
An immensely powerful tool which automates the process of comparing file and folder contents