| Beyond Compare | |
|---|---|
| Developer | Scooter Software |
| Stable release | |
| Operating system | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Platform | Cross-platform |
| Size | 26MB |
| Type | Data comparison |
| License | Proprietary |
| Website | www.scootersoftware.com |
Beyond Compare is across-platformproprietarydata comparison utility developed by Scooter Software. First released in 1996, the software is designed to compare files, folders, and archives, with specialized support for various file types and integration capabilities withversion control systems."Access Data Anywhere". Scooter Software. Retrieved2014-09-05.
Beyond Compare provides comprehensive comparison capabilities for both individual files and directory structures. The software supports:Side-by-side comparison with synchronized scrollingThree-way merge for resolving conflicts between versionsInline difference highlighting at the character levelDirectory tree comparison with recursive scanningBinary file comparison using hexadecimal views
The application includes dedicated comparison viewers for specific file types:Text comparison: Source code files with syntax highlighting for numerous programming languagesTable comparison:CSV, database tables, and spreadsheet dataImage comparison: Side-by-side or overlaid image viewing with pixel-level differencesHex comparison: Binary file analysis with byte-level granularityRegistry comparison: Windows Registry key and value comparisonVersion comparison: MP3, PDF, and other structured file formats
Beyond Compare extends beyond comparison to provide file synchronization capabilities:Bidirectional folder synchronization with conflict resolutionMirror synchronization for backup workflowsCustomizable file copy and move operationsBatch file operations with previewAutomated synchronization profiles
The software provides extensive integration options:Command-line interface for scripting and automationVersion control system integration includingGit,Subversion,Mercurial, andPerforce"Configure Git to use Beyond Compare for image diff". 2013-09-10. Retrieved2014-10-16.FTP,SFTP, and cloud storage access (Amazon S3, Dropbox, OneDrive)Scripting engine for automated comparison tasksPlugin architecture for custom file format support
A key feature of Beyond Compare is its customizable comparison rule system. The program includes predefined rule sets for common file types such asC++ source code,XML, andHTML files.Mitchell, Scott (November 2006)."Toolbox: Synchronize Files, Rich Textboxes, and More".MSDN Magazine. Retrieved2009-10-20. Users can configure:Importance-based difference highlighting (critical, important, minor, unimportant)Text handling rules (whitespace, case sensitivity, encoding)File filters by name, size, date, or custom criteriaExclusion patterns for irrelevant files or directories
Beyond Compare is implemented usingDelphi andC++, providing native performance on each supported platform. The application architecture separates the comparison engine from the user interface, allowing for both GUI and command-line operation modes.
The software is available for:Microsoft Windows (Windows 7 and later)macOS (macOS 10.13 and later)Linux (multiple distributions via package managers or portable installation)
Beyond Compare can access files from various sources:Local file systems (NTFS, ext4, APFS, etc.)Network shares (SMB, NFS)Archive files (ZIP, 7z, TAR, GZ, BZ2, RAR)FTP and SFTP serversCloud storage providersVersion control repositories
Beyond Compare was first released in 1996 by Scooter Software, a software company founded to develop file and folder comparison utilities. The software has undergone several major version releases:Version 1.x: Initial release focused on folder comparison for WindowsVersion 2.x: Added three-way merge, expanded file type supportVersion 3.x: Introduced cross-platform support (Mac, Linux), improved performanceVersion 4.x: Added cloud storage integration, enhanced UI, 64-bit architectureVersion 5.x: Modern interface updates, improved performance, expanded format support
Beyond Compare has received generally positive reviews from technology publications and users, though some reviewers have noted a learning curve for new users.
In an April 2009 review, Beyond Compare received four out of five rating stars fromCNET. The reviewers initially found theuser interface to be "a little overwhelming", but they "quickly got the hang of it" after using the program for a while."CNET editors' review".CNET. 2009-04-30. Retrieved2009-10-20.
PC World writer Michael Desmond included the program in a 2005 list of utilities for a "Trouble-Free PC" and praised its "watch list" feature, which monitors folders for changes.Desmond, Michael (2005-05-03)."The Trouble-Free PC".PC World. Archived fromthe original on 2011-06-06. Retrieved2009-10-20.
Beyond Compare was featured in the March 2005 issue ofWindows IT Pro magazine in the "What's Hot" section.Mader, Carolyn (March 2005)."What's Hot". Windows IT Pro. Archived fromthe original on 2013-02-09. Retrieved2009-10-20.
Scott Mitchell, writing forMSDN Magazine, identified the program's customizable comparison rules as its most powerful feature, noting their flexibility in handling different file types and comparison scenarios.
Steve Gibson of GRC described it as "a really cool ... very smart Windows-based source comparison tool"."Security Now! Transcript of Episode #855".
Beyond Compare is commonly used in several professional contexts:Software development: Code review, merge conflict resolution, release verificationSystem administration: Configuration file comparison, deployment verificationQuality assurance: Test result comparison, regression testingData management: Database synchronization, data migration verificationDocument management: Version tracking, content auditing
Beyond Compare is proprietary commercial software with several licensing options:Standard Edition: Basic comparison and synchronization featuresPro Edition: Includes three-way merge, scripting, and extended format supportSite licenses: Volume licensing for organizationsThe software offers a 30-day trial period with full functionality. Student and academic discounts are available.
{{cite web}}:Missing or empty|title= (help)Official websiteDownload Beyond CompareBeyond Compare Documentation