Scooter Software
Applications
Comparison Tool for Files and Folders
Formats Tools Used
Delphi
Challenges
Whenever developers work in teams, they often have to compare their local code with the code that's been checked into the central source code management system. Sometimes, it's about finding differences between two versions of a specific file or multiple files. Other times, they need to analyze hundreds of data files in a folder to see if and how they've changed since the last backup.
File comparison programs have been around since the early days of computer technology. The UNIX tool “diff” is one of the best-known examples, and “WinDiff” is still occasionally used on the Windows platform today. However, these classic utilities quickly reach their limits when it comes to advanced functions – such as comparing ZIP archives, complete folder structures, or files on a remote FTP server, and then synchronizing the differences.
Results
This is exactly where Beyond Compare from Scooter Software comes into play, as it was developed to meet these advanced requirements and offers a powerful, flexible solution for modern comparison and synchronization tasks.
The Company
Scooter Software is an independent, employee-owned software company based in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. The company develops and markets Beyond Compare, a file and folder comparison program for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Beyond Compare is used by over a million users, from individual developers to large enterprises with many users.
Scooter Software is committed to providing a useful and affordable tool.
The Product History
The first downloadable version of Beyond Compare was released in 1996 and was initially only available for Windows. It was limited to the basic functions of file and folder comparison. Over time, more and more features were added, such as FTP support, 3-way merge, folder synchronization, and support for various file formats. Another milestone was multi-platform support. Beyond Compare was also made available for macOS and Linux to reach a wider user base.
The current version of Beyond Compare offers a wide range of features and is a popular tool for developers, administrators, and anyone who needs to compare files and folders.
Beyond Compare makes the difference visible - and in a brilliant way
Delphi-User on Reddit
Application and Development
The power of Beyond Compare lies in its comparison rules, which allow you to specify how the comparison logic determines whether two files are different. Among other things, Beyond Compare offers a set of built-in rules designed for comparing code from different programming languages—there are predefined rules that facilitate the comparison of Delphi, C++/C#, XML, Visual Basic®, HTML, comma-separated files, etc. If none of the built-in rules are sufficient, users can always create their own comparison conditions.
Compare in the Project Manager
Beyond Compare and Delphi / C++Builder
Since the first version, Scooter Software decided to develop Beyond Compare in Delphi and started the project in 1996 with the first Delphi version based on the VCL. Based on this close technical connection, a Delphi IDE integration was originally written by an external developer. Scooter Software purchased this solution and has been offering direct integration of Beyond Compare into Delphi and C++Builder since 2010. The slightly reduced Lite version can be launched directly from any RAD Studio/Delphi/C++Builder IDE. In addition, it is possible to use the tool via the command line and in the build process. With each release of a new Delphi version, the developers keep the product up to date.
Compare within the Version List
Conclusion
Beyond Compare is not just a comparison tool—it is a tailor-made tool for Delphi and C++Builder developers. Developed natively in Delphi, it is optimally adapted to the programming environment. Beyond Compare offers byte-by-byte comparisons for maximum accuracy, an intuitive interface for folder synchronization, 3-way merge, and, thanks to its integration into the IDE, is significantly superior to generic comparison programs.
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