Comparing sources
Comparing Sources
When comparing source between different Visual DataFlex versions it is a HUGE time saver to do this using source code compare tools. Below is a few rules one can use to compare sources between VDF11.1 and VDF12.1
The tips below are for a product called Beyond Compare, but i'm sure your product will do fine too. If you are not using a product for this then GO BUY ONE! it is the best investment you can make EVER. Alternative products that come to mind are: Araxis merge, WinDiff or the free WinMerge on Windows Meld is a linux one if that's your party, or go here and see them all.
How-to set up Beyond Compare
In order to change the rules on how BC compares, you should go into compare source mode and then click on the "guy with the cap" in the toolbar
General Tab Page
Name : DataFlex Associated with: *.src;*.pkg;*.dg;*.vw;*.dd;*.sl;*.ddo;*.rv;*.tt?;*.wo;*.utl;*.nui
x Whitespace includes TABS and spaces
Importance Tab Page
Unimportant text group >> put a check in all of the checkboxes This is also the place where you can add custom rules/filters
Custom filters
1. Ignore differences in comments.
Click on New, Category Delimited Beginning with: // Check "stopping at end of line"
2. Ignore new metadata markup
Click on New, Category Delimited
Beginning with: {
and ending with: }
3. Ignore "current_object" vs "self" syntax
Click on Regular expressions (?i).*current_object.*|.*self.*
4. Ignore difference between writing "Use foo" and "Use foo.pkg"
Click on Regular expressions (?i)^\s*use\s+.*|^\s*use.*\.pkg
5. Ignore changed writing style for constants: C$_FOO vs C_$FOO
Click on Regular expressions (?i)\s+C\$_.*|\s+C_\$.*
6. Ignore "string" vs. "local string"
Click on Regular expressions (?i)^\s*local\s+string.*|^\s*string.* Replace string with date / integer / number to filter other similar code.
