Once in a while every software developer will find himself or herself using a file-differencing program such as Windiff.exe, which comes with the Microsoft Visual Studio .NET environment and its constituent languages, such as Microsoft Visual C#.

Araxis Merge version 6.5 improves upon the facilities available within Windiff.exe and other differencing utilities by not only pinpointing the exact characters within a line that have changed, but also allowing developers to edit the files directly within Araxis Merge and to perform folder-based differencing by simply right-clicking in Windows Explorer and selecting "Compare with Araxis Merge" on the folders or files they would like to compare.

Araxis Merge will then display a side-by-side view of the two folder structures, showing not only which files have changed between the two folder structures, but also the number of differences found in each file (see Figure 1) and optionally other information, such as the date and time stamps on the files.

Once you have the comparison window open showing the differences between files in the two folder structures, you can easily elect to view the actual differences of a particular file (see Figure 2).

Araxis Merge version 6.5 is available in two versions, standard and professional. The professional edition allows for automatic merging of nonconflicting code differences and also allows for three-way merging of code differences for developers working in a team environment.

Araxis Merge also allows you to generate comparison statistics and reports in HTML, XML, or Unix diff format, allowing you to easily visualize the changes in your code over time.

Another great feature of Araxis Merge is the availability of an extensibility API that allows you to customize the way in which Araxis Merge operates, using C#, VB.NET, C++, or even the Windows scripting host. This API is fully documented within the online help provided with the product.

Araxis Merge is without a doubt the best file- and folder-differencing program that I have discovered to date - and it's now an integral part of my day.

Currently, Araxis Merge does integrate with some configuration management applications such as Rational Clear Case. However, according to the Araxis Merge Web site, Microsoft Visual SourceSafe currently does not allow for the integration of third-party compare and merge utilities.

The only thing I can think of that would improve Araxis Merge would be if it were to fully integrate into the VS.NET environment. I live in hope that version 7.0 will integrate into the Whidbey IDE and SourceSafe 2004.

In addition to writing for .NET Developer's Journal, I also occasionally review manuscripts for publishers to ensure technical accuracy. On my last two projects Araxis Merge has been a true life-saver, enabling me to compare the code that appears in the Microsoft Word document for the chapter with the equivalent code that appears in the VS.NET solution found on the book's CD by simply cutting and pasting the corresponding method or class into Araxis Merge using the editing features already in place.

Araxis Merge is available as a small download, allowing you to experience these and other great features for 30 days. I highly encourage you to check it out.

Company Info
Araxis Ltd
18 Avenue Business Park Elsworth
Cambridge CB3 8EY
United Kingdom

Phone: +44 (0)1954 268 930
Web: www.araxis.com/merge

Pricing:
Standard Edition: $129.00
Professional Edition: $219.00

Test Environment
HP Pavilion zd7000
3.2GHz
1 GB RAM
Windows XP