Compare Files in Dreamweaver
Comparing files in Dreamweaver (DW) is so useful that it’s a wonder it isn’t already built in. Whether it be for comparing a locally saved file to one on a shared Web server or comparing recently downloaded source code updates to existing application files, finding files differences with the help of a suitable application is far more productive than “eyeballing” the differences. The good news is that while that functionality is not native to Dreamweaver it is rather painless to hand off the work to a third-party application.
On my Mac I was able to configure DW to use TextWrangler (a “must-have” text editor for Mac OS X) with ease. I can’t vouch for the Linux and Windows alternatives, but a little Googling did bring up these free applications:
Once you’ve downloaded and installed your compare application, open your DW Preferences > File Compare category, and enter the location of the application (default TextWrangler location: “Macintosh HD:usr:bin:twdiff“). The full instructions are at Adobe’s Livedocs site.
Henceforth, comparing local or remote files is as easy as selecting them, right-clicking to bring up the context menu, and then choosing Compare Local Files, Compare with Remote, or Compare Remote Files (depending on the files you selected). The compare application typically shows three panes: one that identifies the location and nature of the differences (seen here at the bottom) and the two other panes that highlight the code differences. Pretty neat, huh?
Of course, if we were all good little programmers, we’d be using a proper revision control system such as Subversion and relying on the integrated diff/compare features. Someday. But until then, if you’re maintaining any sort of simple file backups you can still compare those files from the comfort of your Dreamweaver’s Files screen.
Just a plug for WinMerge. I tried it on the PC yesterday, and I’ve been pleased so far…this was a MUCH-needed addition to my computer, so thanks Steve!
Well, a good diff tool is a must for serious programming. On unix, one will usually start with “diff” - and will be very frightened
The best diff support I ever saw is build in IBM’s ClearCase (a commercial revision control tool) software. But btw. there’s also a good (while very old) TK tool availible - it’s tkdiff (just a frontend to diff).
Thanks, I was looking for an article just like this. I already installed WinMerge and it works great. I was considering beyond compare but I didn’t’ want to buy anything! Thanks
I agree, Dreamweaver should just include this feature.
However, the winMerge program works really well. Simple and does the job.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Regards,