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Compare Files and Folders - Identify Different and Duplicated Files and Folders.

This section discusses the Compare Files and Folders functionality of the Comparator module.

The Compare Files and Folders functionality is used to compare files and folders by their generic properties, such as: content, filename, size, times and attributes. The Compare Files and Folders functionality helps find matching, duplicated, derived and otherwise related or non-related files and folders by choosing the appropriate comparison conditions and running the comparison process. The functionality is also able to scan and compare files and folders located inside of nested folders and recognized archives.

Capture: Compare Files and Folders

Operation

Select the files and folders that you want to compare. Select the comparison criteria. Click the Compare button. Once the comparison process is complete, you can see the results listed in the results window. Each selected file or folder establishes a new column while each (unique) matching value is placed in a new row. The filename of each matching item is placed on the respective row, in its own column or in the column of the folder or archive containing it (which was selected and defined the column). Thus, each row contains all filenames of the items matching the property represented by the row, and each cell may have more than one filename in it. For example, if a folder has been selected then it will have its own column, then if it so happens that two or more files in that folder are identical then their names will be placed in the same cell under the column of the containing them folder separated by ";" and in the row representing that match. Select a row (only one raw can be selected at a time) to list the filenames contained in that row from the Selected Match/Equivalence-Class view. The Selected Match/Equivalence-Class view is used to display all files and folders which match the comparison condition used for this comparison operation. Using the context menu in the Selected Match/Equivalence-Class view, you can perform typical file/folder manipulation operations and locate the item in the selected items view (if it is present there), and in the file system or archive.

Controls

Selection Controls

These controls are used to select and display the files and folders for the operation. In addition to the Add Files, Add Folders and Remove buttons, you can use the standard clipboard, drag and drop, and keyboard operations.

Traverse nested folders

Set this checkbox to request from the module to compare all items in the whole directory tree beneath any selected folder and not only the items immediately under the selected folder.

Treat archives as folders

Set this checkbox to request from the module to treat any archive as a folder, and the files and folders in the archive as if they are an intrinsic part of the file system. Clear this checkbox to have the module treat any archive as a file.

Show full path in folder results

When listing a folder, all files contained in it are listed in the folder column. Set this checkbox to show the full path for every contained item or clear it to show only the relative path starting from the folder.

Operation Controls - Compare Conditions

Compare Files and Folders Operation Controls

These controls are used to control the operation of the module and thus directly affect results.

Logical Operator combo-box

Select the logical operator to be used when more than one comparison criteria is selected.

AND - conditions

Use logical AND - all selected conditions must match.

OR - conditions

Use logical OR - at least one selected conditions must match.

Content

Compare files and folders by content.

Name

Compare files and folders by names.

Size

Compare files and folders by sizes.

Attributes

Compare files and folders by attributes.

Creation Time

Compare files and folders by creation times.

Last Write Time

Compare files and folders by last write time.

Last Access Time

Compare files and folders by last access time.

Results Controls

and also The Selected Match/Equivalence-Class View

Compare Files and Folders Results Controls Equivalent Class

These controls are used to display the results and the selected matching line.

and also the Selected Match/Equivalence-Class view Context Menu

Compare Files and Folders Results Controls Equivalent Class Context Menu

This context menu is used to manipulate any matching items selected in the Selected Match/Equivalence-Class view.

Locate Item

Locate the selected item: (1) In Container - on the disk or inside of an archive; (2) In Selection - in the selection view control, if the item is present there (items contained in a selected folder or archive are not visible in the selected items view).

Open

Execute "Open" shell command on the selected item.

Edit

Execute "Edit" shell command on the selected item.

Explore

Execute "Explore" shell command on the selected item.

Cut Items

Cut the items; same as if the cut was performed in the item container.

Copy Items

Copy the items; same as if the copy was performed in the item container.

Delete

Delete the items; same as if the delete was performed in the item container.