Allows you to merge differing files and folders fast and easily

Code Compare

Code Compare

  -  12.48 MB  -  Freeware
  • Latest Version

    Code Compare 5.4.21 LATEST

  • Review by

    Daniel Leblanc

  • Operating System

    Windows XP / Vista / Windows 7 / Windows 8 / Windows 10

  • User Rating

    Click to vote
  • Author / Product

    Devart / External Link

  • Filename

    codecompare.exe

  • MD5 Checksum

    302d0c015691b74a49d20f03dd69d12e

Devart Code Compare is a free tool designed to compare and merge differing files and folders. The program integrates with all popular source control systems: TFS, SVN, Git, Mercurial, and Perforce. The tool is shipped both as a standalone file diff tool and a Visual Studio extension. The free edition of the app enables developers to perform most of the tasks related to source comparison.

Code Compare Screenshot 2

Code Compare Pro edition of the tool is specially adapted for comparing source code files. It locates changes in code with regard to its structure. Code Compare Pro features a 3-way file merge tool that allows resolving version control merge conflicts.

Features and Highlights

Text Comparison and Merging:
  • Colored blocks for inserted, deleted, and modified text
  • Detailed highlights of changes within lines
  • Collapsing of unchanged regions of text (Pro-feature)
  • Point-and-click merging with a mouse
  • Editing files on the fly
  • Merging shortcuts for advanced users
Structural Source Code Comparison:
  • Syntax Highlighting for programming languages
  • Methods are matched in compared source code files
  • Similar lines of code are matched even after refactoring
  • Moved blocks of code are detected if source code is reordered in files
  • Difference Explorer window displays changes in code structure
  • Code outlining allows collapsing and expanding regions of code
Visual Studio Integration:
  • Native Visual Studio extension allows smooth integration
  • Visual Studio 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2017 support
  • Choose to use standalone or integrated CodeCompare on the fly
  • Atmel Studio 6.0 and 6.1 supported
Code Compare Screenshot 3

Code Review Support:
  • Adding code review comments when comparing source file revisions
  • Viewing added review comments from a file comparison document
  • Highlighting of code regions with review comments
  • The feature works in combination with Review Assistant
  • Teams benefit more than solo developers
Three-Way Comparison and Automatic Merging:
  • Three comparison panes with horizontal and vertical layouts
  • Integrates with version control systems as the merging tool for conflicting file revisions
  • Non-conflicting changes are merged automatically
  • Merging conflicts are highlighted
  • One-click conflict resolution with a mouse button
Compares entire hierarchies of folders:
  • Color-coding for added, deleted, and modified files
  • Filtering options for excluding or including of certain file types
  • Instant opening of individual file comparison documents
  • Display options for better comparison result analysis
  • Batch file copying from pane to pane or to a selected folder
Code Compare Screenshot 4

PROS
  • Ease of Use: It provides a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for developers to navigate and utilize its features effectively.
  • Integration: It seamlessly integrates with popular version control systems like Git, SVN, Mercurial, and TFS, allowing developers to compare and merge changes directly from within their preferred development environment.
  • Syntax Highlighting: The tool offers syntax highlighting for various programming languages, making it easier to read and understand the differences between code files.
  • Inline and Side-by-Side Comparison: It allows users to view code differences both inline and side-by-side, enabling them to choose the most suitable format for their preferences and workflow.
  • Three-Way Comparison: It supports three-way comparison, which is beneficial when merging changes from multiple branches or contributors, helping to resolve conflicts more efficiently.
  • Customization Options: Users can customize various aspects of the comparison process, such as ignoring whitespace, case sensitivity, and line-ending differences, tailoring the tool to their specific needs.
  • Merging Capabilities: Devart Code Compare facilitates code merging by providing intuitive tools for accepting or rejecting individual changes, as well as merging entire files.
CONS
  • Limited Language Support: Although the tool supports several popular programming languages, it may not offer comprehensive support for less common or niche languages.
  • Performance Issues with Large Files: Some users have reported performance issues when comparing or merging large files, particularly with complex codebases or intricate changes.
  • Platform Compatibility: While the app is available for Windows platforms, it may not be suitable for developers working on macOS or Linux systems, limiting its accessibility for certain users.
  • Learning Curve: While the interface is generally user-friendly, mastering all the features and customization options may require some initial learning time for new users.
  • Dependency on External Tools: It relies on integration with version control systems, so any issues or limitations with these systems could potentially impact its functionality.
Note: Requires .NET Framework. Includes a 30-day trial of Code Compare Pro.

  • Code Compare 5.4.21 Screenshots

    The images below have been resized. Click on them to view the screenshots in full size.

    Code Compare 5.4.21 Screenshot 1
  • Code Compare 5.4.21 Screenshot 2
  • Code Compare 5.4.21 Screenshot 3
  • Code Compare 5.4.21 Screenshot 4

What's new in this version:

- Added a notification for file changes in Visual Studio
- Added support for horizontal mouse scrolling in the Code Comparison document
- Fixed the rendering of frame positions in the Code Comparison document when scaling above 100% on 4K monitors