How to Compare 2 Files in IntelliJ
IntelliJ IDEA is a powerful Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that offers a wide range of features to enhance the coding experience. One of the most useful features is the ability to compare two files side by side. This feature is particularly helpful when you need to review changes made to a file or when you want to merge two versions of a file. In this article, we will guide you through the process of comparing two files in IntelliJ IDEA.
Step 1: Open the Files
The first step in comparing two files in IntelliJ IDEA is to open both files. You can do this by either dragging and dropping the files into the IDE or by navigating to the files using the file explorer. Once both files are open, you will see them displayed in the editor window.
Step 2: Open the Compare Tool
Next, you need to open the Compare tool. To do this, go to the “VCS” menu at the top of the IDE and select “Compare with…” or simply press `Ctrl + Alt + M` (or `Cmd + Alt + M` on macOS). This will open a dialog box where you can choose the files you want to compare.
Step 3: Select the Files to Compare
In the Compare tool dialog box, you will see a list of open files. Select the two files you want to compare by clicking on them. You can select multiple files by holding down the `Ctrl` (or `Cmd` on macOS) key and clicking on each file. Once you have selected the files, click “OK” to proceed.
Step 4: Review the Differences
After clicking “OK,” IntelliJ IDEA will open a new window displaying the differences between the two files. The editor will show the files side by side, with the differences highlighted. You can scroll through the differences, view the changes in context, and even make edits directly in the compare window.
Step 5: Save or Merge Changes
Once you have reviewed the differences, you can save the changes to one of the files or merge the changes into a new file. To save the changes, simply click “Save” in the compare window. To merge the changes into a new file, go to the “Compare” menu and select “Merge into…” Choose the target file where you want to merge the changes, and IntelliJ IDEA will create a new file with the merged content.
Conclusion
Comparing two files in IntelliJ IDEA is a straightforward process that can save you time and effort when reviewing changes or merging files. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily compare files side by side and make the necessary adjustments to ensure your code remains consistent and up-to-date.
