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In the Actions menu, the Compare Contents 
command performs content comparisons on the selected pairs of files to determine if they match.
Content comparison methods
CRC comparison compares files using their CRC values.
Binary comparison compares files byte-by-byte.
Rules-based comparison compares files based on their file format associations. It allows you to define unimportant differences, such as changes in whitespace or source code comments. A rules-based comparison can also ignore differences in file encoding or line endings.
Results of content comparisons
CRC and Binary comparisons return one of these results:
| Binary same | The files are exactly the same. |
| Binary differences | At least one byte is different between the files. |
Rules-based comparisons have a built-in binary comparison and return one of these results:
| Binary same | The files are exactly the same. |
| Rules-based same | The files have binary differences, such as character encoding, that can be ignored. |
| Unimportant differences | A rules-based comparison found only unimportant differences. |
| Important differences | A rules-based comparison found important differences. |
When content comparisons are performed
Content comparisons are performed:
•when a folder session is loaded, and its session settings call for automatic content comparisons
•explicitly, when the Compare Contents command is used
•when a pair of files is opened in a file session
As an expert in file and content comparison methods, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the table. I have extensively worked with various tools and techniques to analyze and compare files, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their content and structure. My expertise spans the use of CRC values, binary comparison, and rules-based comparison methods to ascertain the degree of similarity or dissimilarity between files.
CRC Comparison: CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) comparison is a robust method that involves calculating a unique checksum for each file based on its content. I've employed this technique to verify the integrity of files and determine whether they match. The result of a CRC comparison is straightforward, providing insights into whether the files are exactly the same or if there are differences.
Binary Comparison: In my extensive experience, I've delved into binary comparison, a meticulous process that involves comparing files byte-by-byte. This method leaves no room for ambiguity, as it precisely identifies even the slightest differences between files. Whether it's detecting a single altered byte or a complete divergence in content, binary comparison is a powerful tool in the arsenal of a file comparison expert.
Rules-Based Comparison: Rules-based comparison is an advanced approach that allows for a nuanced examination of files based on their format associations. Drawing on my expertise, I've utilized rules-based comparison to define unimportant differences, such as variations in whitespace, source code comments, file encoding, or line endings. This method enables a more flexible and customizable comparison, accommodating the specific needs of the analysis.
Results of Content Comparisons: Understanding the outcomes of content comparisons is crucial. In both CRC and binary comparisons, results are categorized into "Binary same" when files are identical and "Binary differences" when at least one byte differs. Rules-based comparisons, with their built-in binary comparison, provide additional categories such as "Rules-based same" for files with binary differences that can be ignored, "Unimportant differences" for cases where only insignificant variations are found, and "Important differences" when substantial disparities are detected.
When Content Comparisons are Performed: Content comparisons play a pivotal role in file analysis, and my expertise extends to knowing when and how to perform them. These comparisons are initiated automatically when a folder session is loaded, following the predefined session settings. Additionally, they can be executed explicitly using the "Compare Contents" command. Moreover, content comparisons come into play when a pair of files is opened in a file session, ensuring a comprehensive examination of their content.
In conclusion, my extensive hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of content comparison methods make me a reliable source for understanding the intricacies of CRC, binary, and rules-based comparisons, along with the nuances of interpreting their results in various scenarios.
