DIFF

Synopsis

HELP:   Compare archive content with another archive or version
TYPE:   OBJECT
SYNTAX: DIFF(FROM/READ(),COMPARE.{},FULLY,OFFSET,REPORT='str'/STDOUT/STDERR,LOGGING.{},MESSAGE(),NORUN)

Description

The DIFF command uses all reading capabilities of the archive command to compare the clear net content of two data sources independent of the data format and representation. The comparison takes place on a logical level, based on the neutral FLAM5 elements.

The DIFF function does not recognize insertions or deletions to/from either source. If is one byte or element more or less in the data of one of the sources, then the comparison will fail for the whole rest.

As an example, the DIFF command can be used to compare the logical content of an older version of an archive or parts of them (match) with a newer one.

Depending on the data formats, a dedicated method is used, to compare the logical data elements in the matrix. If a compare of the data formats makes no sense (XML elements or with text rest matrix) then an error is issued.

With the switch 'FULLY' you can activate additional checks depending on the data formats, for example:

• TEXT/TEXT: Compare the remaining rest (trailing whitespace and delimiter)
• ASA-RECORD/ASA-RECORD: Compare the control character
• REL-RECORD/REL-RECORD: Compare the slot numbers
• XML/XML: Compare comments, formatting (whitespace) and DTD

If you want to verify that two files are identical independent of the platform and representation, then don't use this switch.

If you specified a report file and activate the 'OFFSET' switch, then byte offsets and byte values for each difference are written to the report file.

To get syntax information, please use:

   flcl SYNTAX ARCHIVE.DIFF

To get help for a parameter, please use:

   flcl HELP ARCHIVE.DIFF.parameter[.parameter[...]]

To read the manual page for a parameter, please use:

   flcl MANPAGE ARCHIVE.DIFF.parameter[.parameter[...]]
      or
   flcl HELP ARCHIVE.DIFF.parameter[.parameter[...]] MAN

To generate the user manual for the command, please use:

   flcl GENDOCU ARCHIVE.DIFF=filename

Parameters can be defined via command line (directly or by parameter file) or via properties taken from the corresponding property file.

Arguments

• SWITCH: FULLY - Make a fully compare of data and elements [FALSE]
• SWITCH: OFFSET - Print byte offsets and values to report file [FALSE]
• STRING: REPORT='str'/STDOUT/STDERR - Generate a report file [NONE]
  • STDOUT - Write output to stdout
  • STDERR - Write output to stderr
• SWITCH: NORUN - Don't run the command, only show parsed parameter