Can You Use Beyond Compare with Git?

Beyond Compare is a powerful file and folder comparison tool that many developers appreciate for its comprehensive features. But can you integrate it with Git, the popular version control system? The answer is a resounding yes. This article outlines how to configure Beyond Compare as your default diff and merge tool for Git on various platforms.

Setting Up Beyond Compare with Git

Beyond Compare seamlessly integrates with Git, enhancing your workflow by providing a clear visual representation of file changes and simplifying the process of resolving merge conflicts. Here’s how to set it up:

Git for Windows

Diff Tool Configuration:

1. Open a command prompt or Git Bash.
2. Execute the following commands:

   git config --global diff.tool bc
   git config --global difftool.bc.path "c:/Program Files/Beyond Compare 5/bcomp.exe" 

   Note: Adjust the path if your Beyond Compare installation directory is different. For older Git versions (prior to 2.2), replace “bc” with “bc3”.

Merge Tool Configuration:

1. In the same command prompt or Git Bash, execute:

   git config --global merge.tool bc
   git config --global mergetool.bc.path "c:/Program Files/Beyond Compare 5/bcomp.exe"

   Note: For older Git versions (prior to 2.2), replace “bc” with “bc3”.

Launching Beyond Compare:

• File Diff: git difftool filename.ext
• Folder Diff: git difftool --dir-diff
• 3-way Merge: git mergetool filename.txt

Git for Linux

Prerequisites:

• Ensure Beyond Compare is installed and accessible from your terminal. You might need to add it to your system’s PATH.

Configuration (Git 1.8 and newer):

git config --global diff.tool bc
git config --global difftool.bc.trustExitCode true
git config --global merge.tool bc
git config --global mergetool.bc.trustExitCode true

Launching Beyond Compare:

• File Diff: git difftool file.ext
• 3-way Merge: git mergetool file.ext

Git Clients and IDEs

Many Git clients and IDEs (Integrated Development Environments) provide graphical interfaces to configure external diff and merge tools. Consult your specific client’s documentation for detailed instructions. Popular options often include Beyond Compare in their dropdown menus for easy selection. For example:

• SourceTree: In Preferences, navigate to the Diff tab to select Beyond Compare for both diff and merge operations.
• TortoiseGit: Access Settings, then go to the Diff Viewer or Merge Tool sections under External Programs to configure Beyond Compare.
• Git Extensions: Under Settings > Git Config, choose “bc” from the Difftool and Mergetool dropdowns, ensuring the paths are correctly set.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues, double-check the following:

• Path Accuracy: Verify the path to bcomp.exe in your configuration is correct.
• Permissions: Ensure the Beyond Compare executable has the necessary permissions to be executed by Git.
• Git Version Compatibility: Refer to the Beyond Compare documentation for specific instructions related to older Git versions if needed.

Conclusion

Integrating Beyond Compare with Git significantly improves the clarity and efficiency of your version control workflow. By leveraging Beyond Compare’s visual comparison capabilities, you can confidently navigate code changes, identify differences, and resolve merge conflicts with ease. Follow the instructions provided for your platform to unlock the combined power of these two essential development tools.