How to compare two files in Eclipse?

Question

I want to compare two files. One is in the current project and the other is in the backup directory. I know how to compare if they were in the same project. How can I compare in Eclipse? And what is Flex navigator in Eclipse?

Answer 1

Open the Navigator with the Main menu: Window->Show View->Navigator .

You can select two or more files in the Navigator using Ctrl-click , or Command-click in OSX. Now Right-click any one of the selected files, and select the menu item: Compare With->Each Other .

The problem is that your alternate file might not be in the Navigator, eg your backup directory isn't listed in the Navigator. If not, Right-click in the Navigator and choose the menu item: New->Folder . In the resulting dialog click the Advanced>> button beneath the Folder Name field, choose Link to alternate location (Linked Folder) , and browse to add your backup directory.

Now using the Navigator you'll be able to select the two files, and use Compare With .

You can similarly compare files using eg the Package Explorer.