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DELTA is a file and directory comparison tool which was created by OPENetwork in 1990. It comes from using the output of the unix command "diff" to put the two files or directories in scrollable windows and from adding artificial intelligence so that the alignment of similar lines gives the display a very natural feel. Since 1990, DELTA has been the number one comparison tool for DOS programmers and is probably the only serious one. In addition, DELTA's customer satisfaction level is nothing short of remarkable (tech support log)

DELTA is now freeware!

DELTA is fabulous, but don't take our word for it, Download DELTA and see for yourself.
 (version 2.5 beta of Sep 5, 2001: 136,033 bytes).

Download DELTA for linux. (version 2.5 beta of Sep 5, 2001: 308,023 bytes).

Once you have a working version of DELTA, we recommend that you practice on our demo files.

News:

DELTA Version 2.5 for DOS or a DOS box in Windows is latest version


Very fast, it can ...
  • compare files of several megabytes each (the 10,000 lines limitation is gone!)
  • compare directories recursively
  • copy or delete lines on the fly (in the file comparisons)
  • call your favorite editor from the file comparison
  • compare binary files
  • copy, browse and delete files on the fly (in the directory comparison)
  • have its artificial engine adjusted for special cases
  • automatically handle Windows95 long filenames, etc.
In version 2.5 all known bugs have been removed and a system of drop down menus has been added to make a transition with DELTA for Windows or GUIS. We now have the whole manual as html or as pdf.
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How Delta compares files:

TOP


F4 or menu View, Side-by-Side Is a toggle on whether the screen is split in 2 horizontally or vertically.
F5 or menu File, Edit Invokes your favorite editor and starts an edit session of the file the cursor is on, at the line you are looking at (if your editor can handle it).
Esc Exit takes you back where you came from, either the entry screen or the middle of a directory comparison.
file comparison
MIDDLE You can move the cursor from side to side with the Tab key.
You will notice that line 07 on the left has been lined up with line 10 on the right.
The cursor is sitting on the left at line 05 on the left.


Hitting either + key will take you down to the next different block in the comparison.
Hitting either - key will take you back to the previous difference.
Pressing the d key will delete the line that the cursor is on for the file that the cursor is in.
Pressing the c key makes the line that the cursor is on be written to the other side.
Options in the View menu enable you to make empty space visible, to make tabs visible, to interpret ANSI sequences or backspaces, as well to set tabs at any number you wish.


BOTTOM
258200K is the amount of free RAM. If that number is close to 0, you may experience difficulties.


How DELTA compares directories:

TOP
F3 or menu File, Browse Lets you browse a file or a directory (2 separate nifty tools).
F4 or menu View, Common unequal Is a toggle that displays only the unequal files or directories with identical names (or displays everything).
F5 or menu File, Edit Lets you use your favorite editor to edit the file the cursor is on. Your editor should complain if you attempt to edit a directory.
Esc Exit takes you back where you came from, either the entry screen or the middle of a directory comparison.



directory comparison MIDDLE
You can move the cursor from side to side with the Tab key.
-absent- refers to non-existent files or directories.
<DIR> refers to a directory while the display of filesize (in bytes or K) refers to a file.
In the middle vertical panel, to the right of the name is the critical comparison code:
If the file or directory name is too long, the right and left arrow will become active and let you see the rest of the name.
The downward pointing left arrow besides the word name meaning that entries are sorted from top to bottom by name. You can sort by name, extension, size or time by hitting Alt-N, Alt-E, Alt-S or Alt-T or by clicking on these words with your mouse. Clicking Alt-S then Alt-E means that within an extension, the entries are sorted by size. Clicking again or hitting the same key again reverses the direction of the sort.


Hitting the Enter key will start a comparison of the 2 entries of the line the cursor is on.
Pressing the d key will delete the file that the cursor is on.
Pressing the c key will copy the file that the cursor is on will to the other side.

BOTTOM
258264K is the amount of free RAM. If that number is close to 0, you may experience difficulties.
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Smart Backups:

If you take your computing seriously, if you want to be in charge of your computer, we suggest you read The Art of Keeping Computers in Sync.
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Reviews:

The best file comparison program I know of is called DELTA.
Steve Cummings, review in Computer Currents

One use of this utility and I wondered how I have been programming this long without it!
Randy Lynn, PCM Magazine

DELTA is a fantastic product!
Richard Block, Senior Software Engineer, Diatek, Inc.

A handy little program.
Ken Pugh, C User's Journal

DELTA is extremely flexible and powerful, but that power does not get in the way. So much of 'delta' "takes care of itself" that not much else is needed. This is the closest thing to a "copy and run" program that I have ever seen. ... DELTA is recommended!
Michael Durant, NEI-PC Users Group, review entitled: File Comparisons

A nifty file comparison program.
Jonathan Erickson, Editor in Chief, Dr. Dobbs Journal

I saw DELTA and I found it marvelous.
Professor Czapski, Professor, Hebrew University, Jerusalem

Perhaps the most bang for the buck I've spent on software is a $100 product called DELTA...
Scott A. Bowron, Cherry Computing

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Tech Support for DELTA
Magic! OPENetwork Delta map The Berkeley Utilities Shareware & Freeware Our People The Game of Go Links
OPENetwork | Delta | Berkeley Utilities | Shareware & Freeware | Our People | Game of Go | Map of Site | Links


Last updated on January 25, 2001
Please send any comments to Jean-Claude Chetrit