Comparing Files Using WINDIFF

To compare files and display the results graphically, use WINDIFF.EXE. The following line shows WINDIFF command-line syntax:

windiff [path1] [path2]

where path1 and path2 indicate the files to be compared. WINDIFF uses the following rules to determine what is to be compared:

• If you invoke WINDIFF without specifying path1 or path2, you can click Compare Files or Compare Directories from the File menu to specify the files to compare.
• If you invoke WINDIFF with a filename for path1, but nothing for path2, WINDIFF compares the file with a file of the same name in the current directory.
• If you invoke WINDIFF with a directory name for path1, but nothing for path2, WINDIFF compares the files in the specified directory with the files in the current directory.
• If you invoke WINDIFF specifying files for path1 and path2, WINDIFF compares the two files.
• If you invoke WINDIFF specifying directories for path1 and path2, WINDIFF compares the files in those directories.

The results are initially displayed in outline mode. WINDIFF lists the files that were compared and indicates whether they are identical or whether one file is newer than the other. To view the differences in expanded mode, select the file from the display and click the Expand button. The parts that are common to both files are displayed on a white background. The parts that belong to the file listed on the left are displayed on a red background. The parts that belong to the file listed on the right are displayed on a yellow background. To return to outline mode, click the Outline button.

For more information, see the help file WINDIFF.HLP, included with WINDIFF.