Do not ignore Hidden/system/protected files in scripted folder compare

[mandy4gis]

In my recursive folder compare script I want to compare everything but beyond compare ignores hidden/system/protected files. How to not ignore Hidden/system/protected files in scripted folder compare? What am I missing?

My script so far

log verbose "%4"
load "%1" "%2"
expand all
compare binary
criteria binary
option confirm:no-to-all
folder-report layout:side-by-side options:display-mismatches,column-size,column-version,column-timestamp output-to:"%3"

[Aaron]

Hello,

After log, but before load, add:
filter include-protected


You can also reorder a few other lines to speed up the script:

log verbose "%4"
option confirm:no-to-all
filter include-protected
criteria binary
load "%1" "%2"
expand all
folder-report layout:side-by-side options:display-mismatches,column-size,column-version,column-timestamp output-to:"%3"


This way, you have the filter and criteria set, which then apply to the load command during the load. How does this work for you?

[mandy4gis]

Thanks for your quick reply! Whats the difference between "compare binary" and "criteria binary"?

[Chris]

"criteria binary" sets the background content comparison type. It compares all files. It is the equivalent of setting binary comparison in the "Session > Session Settings" dialog when running interactively.

"compare binary" operates on selected files. It is the equivalent of the "Actions > Compare Contents" command when running interactively.

[mandy4gis]

How do I add add folder and file filters in addition to "filter include-protected"? Also is there a way to generate both side by side and xml report at the same time?

[Aaron]

Hello,

The filter line would use the same string generated in the graphical interface, represented in the upper-right toolbar, surrounded by quotes. For example:
filter "*.txt;-ExcludeThisFolder\"

To also include protected, add this option after the quotes:
filter "*.txt;-ExcludeThisFolder\" include-protected

[mandy4gis]

Thanks. Is there a way to generate both side by side and XML report at the same time?

[Aaron]

Oh, sorry, missed that part. Yes and No.

Script is a series of sequential actions. Both reports do not generate simultaneously, but you can have one report command right after the other in scripting.

log verbose "%4"
option confirm:no-to-all
filter include-protected
criteria binary
load "%1" "%2"
expand all
folder-report layout:side-by-side options:display-mismatches,column-size,column-version,column-timestamp output-to:"%3"
folder-report layout:xml output-to:"%5"

[mandy4gis]

Thanks! Also shouldn't it be "filter "-*.txt;-ExcludeThisFolder\" include-protected" instead of "filter "*.txt;-ExcludeThisFolder\" include-protected"?

Will having the second folder-report action double the run time?

[Aaron]

That depends on if you want to include or exclude *.txt files. Also, you'll want to manage quotes around the filter string, but not actually around the "filter command". The string itself is identical to the string constructed in the graphical interface, so I usually recommend setting and testing in a graphical Folder Compare, then copy/paste the string into the script.

It will not double the run time, as loading the initial comparison and running that scan is generally the most intensive step. It will use the already loaded information to generate the report.