How To Compare Two Branches In SVN: A Comprehensive Guide

At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we understand the challenges developers face when managing codebases. How To Compare Two Branches In Svn is a critical skill for any software developer using Subversion. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of various methods to compare branches, ensuring you can easily identify and analyze differences. Discover the best techniques for branch comparison, code divergence analysis, and conflict resolution, all in one place.

1. Understanding the Need for Branch Comparison in SVN

Comparing branches in Subversion (SVN) is a fundamental task in software development, essential for maintaining code integrity and collaboration. Several factors necessitate this comparison, reflecting the dynamic nature of software projects. Understanding these reasons underscores the importance of mastering branch comparison techniques.

1.1. Code Integration and Merging

One of the primary reasons for comparing branches is to prepare for code integration and merging. In a collaborative environment, different developers or teams often work on separate branches to implement new features, fix bugs, or conduct experiments. Before merging these changes back into the main branch (usually the trunk or master), it’s crucial to understand the differences between the branches. This allows developers to:

Identify potential conflicts: Determine if the same lines of code have been modified in both branches.
Review changes: Ensure that all modifications are correct and align with project goals.
Plan the merge: Decide on the best approach for integrating the changes, considering the complexity and scope of the differences.

1.2. Feature Development and Experimentation

When developing new features or experimenting with different approaches, developers often create branches to isolate their work. Comparing these feature branches with the main branch helps to:

Evaluate the impact: Assess how the new feature affects the existing codebase.
Track progress: Monitor the changes made in the feature branch over time.
Decide on implementation: Determine whether to integrate the new feature, discard it, or modify it further.

1.3. Bug Fixing and Hotfixes

Branches are frequently used to address bugs or create hotfixes for production systems. Comparing these bug fix branches with the main branch helps to:

Verify the fix: Ensure that the bug is resolved and that the fix doesn’t introduce new issues.
Understand the impact: Assess the scope of the fix and its potential impact on other parts of the system.
Apply the fix: Integrate the fix into the main branch and other relevant branches.

1.4. Code Review and Auditing

Comparing branches is an essential part of the code review process. It allows reviewers to:

Examine changes: Review the modifications made in a branch before it’s merged.
Identify potential issues: Spot bugs, security vulnerabilities, or performance bottlenecks.
Ensure compliance: Verify that the code adheres to coding standards and best practices.

1.5. Understanding Code Divergence

Over time, branches can diverge significantly from each other, making it difficult to merge them. Regularly comparing branches helps to:

Monitor divergence: Track how much the branches have drifted apart.
Identify conflicts early: Resolve conflicts before they become too complex.
Plan for eventual merge: Prepare for the eventual integration of the branches, considering the amount of divergence.

By understanding these reasons, developers can appreciate the importance of regularly comparing branches in SVN and utilize the appropriate techniques to manage their codebase effectively. COMPARE.EDU.VN is committed to providing clear and comprehensive guides to help you master these essential skills.

2. Core Methods for Comparing Branches in SVN

Comparing branches in Subversion (SVN) can be achieved through several methods, each offering different levels of detail and functionality. Here’s a breakdown of the core techniques:

2.1. Using TortoiseSVN

TortoiseSVN is a popular Windows-based SVN client that provides a graphical interface for performing various SVN operations, including branch comparison.

2.1.1. Diff with URL

This method allows you to compare a local file in your working copy with a specific URL in the repository, which can be a file in another branch.

Right-click on the file in your working copy.
Hold down the Shift key while right-clicking to reveal extended TortoiseSVN options.
Select TortoiseSVN → Diff with URL.
In the dialog box, enter the URL of the file in the branch you want to compare with.
Click OK. TortoiseMerge will display the differences between the local file and the file in the specified branch.

2.1.2. Compare Revisions

This method is used to compare two different revisions of a folder or the entire repository, allowing you to see all the changes made between those revisions.

Open the Repository Browser in TortoiseSVN.
Navigate to the folder or repository you want to compare.
Select two trees (e.g., two tags, or a branch/tag and trunk).
Right-click and select Compare revisions.
A dialog box will appear, listing all the files that have changed between the two revisions. You can then select individual files and compare them using TortoiseMerge.

2.1.3. Revision Log Dialog

The Revision Log dialog provides a way to compare a file in your working copy with a specific revision in the repository.

Right-click on the file in your working copy.
Select TortoiseSVN → Show Log.
In the Revision Log dialog, select the revision you want to compare with.
Right-click on the selected revision and choose Compare with working copy.

2.2. Using the Command Line Interface (CLI)

The SVN command-line interface provides powerful tools for comparing branches, often preferred by developers who prefer scripting and automation.

2.2.1. `svn diff` Command

The svn diff command is the primary tool for comparing files and branches in the command line.

Comparing two files in different branches:
```
svn diff URL1 URL2
```
Replace URL1 and URL2 with the full URLs of the files you want to compare in the repository. For example:
```
svn diff https://svn.example.com/repo/branches/feature1/file.txt https://svn.example.com/repo/trunk/file.txt
```
Comparing two revisions of the same file:
```
svn diff -r REV1:REV2 URL
```
Replace REV1 and REV2 with the revision numbers you want to compare, and URL with the URL of the file. For example:
```
svn diff -r 100:200 https://svn.example.com/repo/trunk/file.txt
```
Comparing your local working copy with a branch:
```
svn diff URL
```
Navigate to your local working copy directory in the command line, then run the command with the URL of the branch you want to compare with. For example:
```
cd /path/to/working/copy
svn diff https://svn.example.com/repo/branches/feature1
```

2.2.2. Using External Diff Tools

The svn diff command can be configured to use external diff tools like diff, vimdiff, or meld for more advanced comparison capabilities.

Configuring an external diff tool:

Edit the SVN configuration file (usually located in ~/.subversion/config on Linux/macOS or %APPDATA%Subversionconfig on Windows) and add the following lines:
```
[miscellany]
diff-cmd = /path/to/your/diff/tool
```
Replace /path/to/your/diff/tool with the actual path to your preferred diff tool.
Using the external diff tool:

Once configured, the svn diff command will automatically use the specified external tool for comparing files.

2.3. Using Web-Based SVN Repositories

Many web-based SVN repository hosting services, such as Assembla, provide built-in tools for comparing branches directly in the web interface.

Navigate to the repository in your web browser.
Select the two branches or revisions you want to compare.
Click on the “Compare” or “Diff” button (the exact wording may vary depending on the service).
The web interface will display the differences between the selected branches or revisions.

Each of these methods offers a way to compare branches in SVN, catering to different preferences and requirements. Whether you prefer a graphical interface, a command-line tool, or a web-based solution, understanding these techniques is crucial for effective code management. At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we aim to provide you with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about your development workflow.

3. A Step-by-Step Guide to Comparing Branches in TortoiseSVN

TortoiseSVN provides a user-friendly interface for comparing branches, making it a popular choice for developers. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide:

3.1. Method 1: Diff with URL

This method is ideal for comparing a single file in your working copy with a file in another branch.

3.1.1. Prerequisites

Ensure you have TortoiseSVN installed on your Windows machine.
You have a working copy of the SVN repository.
You know the URL of the file in the branch you want to compare with.

3.1.2. Steps

Locate the File:
- Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the file in your working copy that you want to compare.
Access the Context Menu:
- Right-click on the file.
- Hold down the Shift key while right-clicking. This will display the extended TortoiseSVN options.
Alt text: Right-click menu showing TortoiseSVN options for a file.
Select “Diff with URL”:
- In the context menu, select TortoiseSVN → Diff with URL.
Alt text: TortoiseSVN option to diff a file with a URL.
Enter the URL:
- A dialog box will appear, prompting you to enter the URL of the file in the branch you want to compare with.
- Enter the full URL of the file, including the protocol (e.g., https://) and the repository path.
Alt text: Dialog box for entering the URL of the file for comparison.
Click “OK”:
- After entering the URL, click OK.
Review the Differences:
- TortoiseMerge, the default diff viewer in TortoiseSVN, will open and display the differences between the local file and the file in the specified branch.
- Use TortoiseMerge to navigate through the changes, view the differences side-by-side, and understand the modifications.
Alt text: TortoiseMerge displaying the differences between two files.

3.2. Method 2: Compare Revisions

This method is useful for comparing two different revisions of a folder or the entire repository, allowing you to see all the changes made between those revisions.

3.2.1. Prerequisites

Ensure you have TortoiseSVN installed.
You have a working copy or access to the SVN repository.
You need to know the revisions or tags you want to compare.

3.2.2. Steps

Open the Repository Browser:
- Right-click on your working copy folder.
- Select TortoiseSVN → Repo Browser.
Alt text: Selecting the Repo Browser option in TortoiseSVN.
Navigate to the Folder or Repository:
- In the Repository Browser, navigate to the folder or repository you want to compare.
Alt text: TortoiseSVN Repository Browser displaying the repository structure.
Select Two Trees:
- Select two trees (e.g., two tags, or a branch/tag and trunk) by clicking on them.
- You can use Ctrl+Click to select the two trees.
Compare Revisions:
- Right-click and select Compare revisions.
Alt text: Compare revisions option in TortoiseSVN Repo Browser.
Review the Changes:
- A dialog box will appear, listing all the files that have changed between the two revisions.
- You can sort the list by file name, path, or change type.
Alt text: Compare Revisions dialog box showing changed files.
Compare Individual Files:
- Select a file from the list and right-click.
- Choose Compare with base or Open with to view the differences in TortoiseMerge.
Alt text: Option to compare a selected file with the base revision.

3.3. Method 3: Revision Log Dialog

This method allows you to compare a file in your working copy with a specific revision in the repository.

3.3.1. Prerequisites

Ensure you have TortoiseSVN installed.
You have a working copy of the SVN repository.
You need to know the revision number you want to compare with.

3.3.2. Steps

Locate the File:
- Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the file in your working copy.
Show Log:
- Right-click on the file.
- Select TortoiseSVN → Show Log.
Alt text: Selecting the Show Log option in TortoiseSVN.
Select the Revision:
- In the Revision Log dialog, select the revision you want to compare with.
- You can browse through the list of revisions or use the search filters to find the specific revision.
Alt text: TortoiseSVN Revision Log dialog showing revision history.
Compare with Working Copy:
- Right-click on the selected revision.
- Choose Compare with working copy.
Alt text: Option to compare a revision with the working copy in TortoiseSVN.
Review the Differences:
- TortoiseMerge will open, displaying the differences between the selected revision and your working copy.

By following these step-by-step guides, you can effectively compare branches in TortoiseSVN and manage your codebase with confidence. At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we provide detailed instructions to help you navigate complex software development tasks.

4. Comparing Branches Using the SVN Command Line Interface (CLI)

The SVN command-line interface (CLI) offers a powerful and flexible way to compare branches. Here’s how to do it:

4.1. Prerequisites

Ensure you have the Subversion command-line client installed on your system.
You have a working copy of the SVN repository or access to the repository URL.
You are familiar with basic command-line operations.

4.2. Using `svn diff` Command

The svn diff command is the primary tool for comparing files and branches in the command line.

4.2.1. Comparing Two Files in Different Branches

This method is useful for comparing specific files between two branches.

Open the Command Line:
- Open your terminal or command prompt.
Execute the svn diff Command:
- Use the following syntax:
```
svn diff URL1 URL2
```
  Replace URL1 and URL2 with the full URLs of the files you want to compare in the repository.
- For example:
```
svn diff https://svn.example.com/repo/branches/feature1/file.txt https://svn.example.com/repo/trunk/file.txt
```
Alt text: Command-line output showing the differences between two files.
Review the Output:
- The command will output the differences between the two files in a unified diff format.
- You can redirect the output to a file for further analysis:
```
svn diff URL1 URL2 > differences.patch
```

4.2.2. Comparing Two Revisions of the Same File

This method allows you to compare two specific revisions of the same file.

Open the Command Line:
- Open your terminal or command prompt.
Execute the svn diff Command:
- Use the following syntax:
```
svn diff -r REV1:REV2 URL
```
  Replace REV1 and REV2 with the revision numbers you want to compare, and URL with the URL of the file.
- For example:
```
svn diff -r 100:200 https://svn.example.com/repo/trunk/file.txt
```
Review the Output:
- The command will output the differences between the two revisions in a unified diff format.

4.2.3. Comparing Your Local Working Copy with a Branch

This method is useful for seeing the changes you have made in your local working copy compared to a specific branch.

Open the Command Line:
- Open your terminal or command prompt.
Navigate to Your Working Copy:
- Use the cd command to navigate to your local working copy directory.
```
cd /path/to/working/copy
```
Execute the svn diff Command:
- Use the following syntax:
```
svn diff URL
```
  Replace URL with the URL of the branch you want to compare with.
- For example:
```
svn diff https://svn.example.com/repo/branches/feature1
```
Review the Output:
- The command will output the differences between your local working copy and the specified branch.

4.3. Using External Diff Tools

The svn diff command can be configured to use external diff tools for more advanced comparison capabilities.

4.3.1. Configuring an External Diff Tool

Locate the SVN Configuration File:
- The SVN configuration file is usually located in ~/.subversion/config on Linux/macOS or %APPDATA%Subversionconfig on Windows.
Edit the Configuration File:
- Open the configuration file in a text editor.
- Add the following lines to the [miscellany] section:
```
[miscellany]
diff-cmd = /path/to/your/diff/tool
```
  Replace /path/to/your/diff/tool with the actual path to your preferred diff tool (e.g., /usr/bin/meld, /Applications/DiffMerge.app/Contents/MacOS/DiffMerge).
- For example, to use Meld as the diff tool:
```
[miscellany]
diff-cmd = /usr/bin/meld
```

4.3.2. Using the External Diff Tool

Execute the svn diff Command:
- Use the svn diff command as described in the previous sections.
- SVN will automatically use the configured external diff tool to display the differences.

By using the SVN command-line interface, you can perform detailed comparisons between branches and revisions, leveraging the power of external diff tools for enhanced analysis. At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we strive to provide comprehensive guides for developers seeking to master their tools.

5. Best Practices for Efficient Branch Comparison

To effectively compare branches in Subversion (SVN) and ensure a smooth development workflow, consider the following best practices:

5.1. Frequent Comparisons

Regularly compare branches to identify and address conflicts early.

Daily or Weekly Comparisons: Schedule routine comparisons, especially when working in large teams or on complex projects.
Before Merging: Always compare branches before merging to prevent integration issues.
Automated Comparisons: Use scripts or CI/CD tools to automate branch comparisons and generate reports.

5.2. Use Meaningful Branch Names

Employ clear and descriptive branch names to easily identify the purpose and content of each branch.

Feature Branches: Use names like feature/new-login-page or feature/payment-integration.
Bug Fix Branches: Use names like bugfix/issue-123 or hotfix/security-vulnerability.
Release Branches: Use names like release/1.0.0 or release/2024-Q3.

5.3. Keep Branches Focused

Limit the scope of each branch to a single feature, bug fix, or task.

Small Changesets: Smaller, focused branches are easier to compare and merge.
Avoid Feature Creep: Prevent adding unrelated changes to a branch.
Regular Rebasing or Merging: Keep feature branches up-to-date with the main branch by rebasing or merging frequently.

5.4. Utilize Diff Tools Effectively

Choose the right diff tool for the task and configure it for optimal performance.

Graphical Diff Tools: TortoiseMerge, Meld, and Beyond Compare offer visual comparisons and easy navigation.
Command-Line Diff Tools: diff, vimdiff, and colordiff are useful for scripting and automation.
Ignore Whitespace and Line Endings: Configure diff tools to ignore whitespace and line ending differences to focus on meaningful changes.

5.5. Code Reviews

Incorporate code reviews into the branch comparison process to ensure code quality and prevent errors.

Peer Reviews: Have team members review changes before merging.
Automated Code Analysis: Use static analysis tools to identify potential issues.
Review Checklist: Create a checklist of items to review during branch comparison.

5.6. Resolve Conflicts Promptly

Address conflicts as soon as they are identified to prevent them from becoming more complex.

Communicate with Team Members: Discuss conflicting changes with other developers to understand the reasons behind the changes.
Use Merge Tools: Utilize merge tools to resolve conflicts interactively.
Test Thoroughly: After resolving conflicts, test the merged code to ensure it works correctly.

5.7. Document Branching Strategy

Establish a clear branching strategy and document it for the team.

Branching Model: Define the types of branches to be used (e.g., feature branches, release branches, hotfix branches).
Naming Conventions: Standardize branch naming conventions.
Merge Procedures: Document the procedures for merging branches.

5.8. Leverage Web-Based Repository Tools

Utilize the branch comparison features provided by web-based SVN repository hosting services.

Side-by-Side Comparisons: Use web interfaces to compare branches visually.
Pull Requests: Utilize pull requests for code review and merging.
Integration with CI/CD: Integrate branch comparisons with CI/CD pipelines for automated testing and deployment.

By following these best practices, you can streamline the branch comparison process, reduce conflicts, and maintain a healthy codebase. At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we are dedicated to providing you with the insights and tools you need to excel in software development.

6. Advanced Techniques for Branch Comparison in SVN

Beyond the basic methods, several advanced techniques can further enhance your branch comparison capabilities in Subversion (SVN).

6.1. Ignoring Whitespace and Line Endings

Sometimes, changes in whitespace or line endings can clutter the diff output, making it difficult to focus on meaningful code changes. You can configure SVN to ignore these differences.

6.1.1. Using TortoiseSVN

In TortoiseMerge, you can ignore whitespace and line ending differences by adjusting the settings.

Open TortoiseMerge:
- Start TortoiseMerge by comparing two files or revisions.
Adjust Settings:
- Go to Settings → Diff Viewer.
- Check the options:
  - Ignore line endings: Excludes changes due solely to differences in line-end style.
  - Ignore whitespace: Excludes changes due solely to a change in the amount or type of whitespace.
  - Ignore all whitespace: Excludes all whitespace-only changes.
Alt text: TortoiseMerge settings for ignoring whitespace and line endings.

6.1.2. Using the Command Line

You can use the --ignore-space-change and --ignore-eol-style options with the svn diff command.

svn diff --ignore-space-change --ignore-eol-style URL1 URL2

These options will ignore changes in whitespace and line endings, respectively.

6.2. Using Blame (Annotate) to Understand Changes

The svn blame command (also known as svn annotate) shows who last modified each line of a file and the revision number in which the change was made. This can be useful for understanding the context of changes when comparing branches.

svn blame URL

This command will output the file with annotations showing the author and revision number for each line.

6.3. Comparing Directory Structures

Sometimes, you need to compare the directory structures of two branches to identify added, deleted, or renamed files.

6.3.1. Using TortoiseSVN

TortoiseSVN’s Repo Browser can be used to compare directory structures.

Open Repo Browser:
- Open the Repo Browser and navigate to the root of the repository.
Select Two Branches:
- Select two branches you want to compare.
Compare Revisions:
- Right-click and select Compare Revisions.
- The dialog will show a list of changed files, including added, deleted, and modified files.

6.3.2. Using the Command Line

You can use a combination of svn ls and diff to compare directory structures.

List Files in Each Branch:
- Use svn ls to list the files in each branch and save the output to a file.
```
svn ls URL1 > branch1_files.txt
svn ls URL2 > branch2_files.txt
```
Compare the Lists:
- Use diff to compare the two files.
```
diff branch1_files.txt branch2_files.txt
```

This will show the differences between the file lists, indicating added, deleted, or renamed files.

6.4. Using Merge Tracking to Identify Integrated Changes

SVN’s merge tracking feature can help you identify which changes have been integrated from one branch to another.

6.4.1. Using TortoiseSVN

TortoiseSVN’s Revision Log dialog shows merge information.

Open Revision Log:
- Right-click on a file or folder and select TortoiseSVN → Show Log.
View Merged Revisions:
- The log will show which revisions have been merged from other branches.
- You can filter the log to show only merge-related revisions.

6.4.2. Using the Command Line

You can use the svn log command with the --use-merge-history option.

svn log --use-merge-history URL

This will show the log of the branch, including information about merged revisions.

6.5. Integrating with CI/CD Pipelines

Automate branch comparisons as part of your CI/CD pipeline to ensure that changes are reviewed and tested before being merged.

Automated Diff Reports: Generate diff reports as part of the build process.
Code Analysis: Integrate static analysis tools to identify potential issues.
Automated Testing: Run automated tests to ensure that changes do not break existing functionality.

By mastering these advanced techniques, you can significantly improve your branch comparison capabilities and ensure a smooth and efficient development process. At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we are committed to providing you with the knowledge and resources you need to succeed.

7. Troubleshooting Common Issues in Branch Comparison

Even with the best practices and tools, you may encounter issues when comparing branches in Subversion (SVN). Here are some common problems and their solutions:

7.1. Conflicts During Merge

Conflicts occur when changes in two branches overlap, and SVN cannot automatically resolve them.

7.1.1. Identifying Conflicts

SVN Status: Use svn status to identify files with conflicts.
TortoiseSVN: Files with conflicts are marked with a red exclamation mark in the working copy.

7.1.2. Resolving Conflicts

Update Your Working Copy: Run svn update to ensure you have the latest changes.
Examine Conflict Markers: Open the conflicted file in a text editor and look for conflict markers:
```
<<<<<<< .mine
Your changes
=======
Changes from the repository
>>>>>>> .rXXX
```
Edit the File: Manually edit the file to resolve the conflicts, combining the changes as needed.
Remove Conflict Markers: Delete the conflict markers and save the file.
Mark as Resolved: Use svn resolved <filename> to mark the file as resolved.
Commit the Changes: Commit the resolved file.

7.2. Large Diff Output

Large diff outputs can be overwhelming and difficult to analyze.

7.2.1. Filtering Changes

Ignore Whitespace: Use --ignore-space-change and --ignore-eol-style options.
Focus on Specific Files: Compare only the files that you are interested in.
Use a GUI Diff Tool: TortoiseMerge or similar tools provide a more manageable view.

7.2.2. Breaking Down the Comparison

Compare Smaller Revisions: Compare smaller revision ranges to reduce the amount of change.
Focus on Specific Areas: Identify specific areas of code that are causing the large diff and focus on those.

7.3. Incorrectly Merged Revisions

Sometimes, revisions may be merged incorrectly, leading to unexpected changes or missing code.

7.3.1. Identifying Incorrect Merges

Code Review: Review the merged code to ensure it is correct.
Testing: Test the merged code thoroughly.
SVN Log: Use svn log to examine the merge history and identify any issues.

7.3.2. Correcting Incorrect Merges

Revert the Merge: Revert the merge to undo the changes.
Identify the Issue: Determine why the merge was incorrect.
Re-Merge Correctly: Re-merge the revisions, taking care to address the issue that caused the incorrect merge.

7.4. File Encoding Issues

File encoding issues can cause diffs to be displayed incorrectly or prevent comparisons from working.

7.4.1. Identifying Encoding Issues

Diff Output: Diffs may show large numbers of changes due to incorrect character encoding.
Error Messages: SVN may display error messages related to encoding.

7.4.2. Resolving Encoding Issues

Ensure Consistent Encoding: Ensure that all files in the repository use the same encoding (e.g., UTF-8).
Convert File Encodings: Use a text editor or command-line tool to convert file encodings.
Configure SVN: Configure SVN to use the correct encoding by setting the svn:mime-type property to text/plain; charset=UTF-8.

7.5. External Diff Tools Not Working

If you have configured an external diff tool, but it is not working correctly, try the following:

7.5.1. Verify Configuration

Check the Path: Ensure that the path to the external diff tool is correct in the SVN configuration file.
Test the Tool: Verify that the external diff tool is working correctly on its own.

7.5.2. Check Command-Line Arguments

Review Arguments: Review the command-line arguments passed to the external diff tool to ensure they are correct.
Consult Documentation: Consult the documentation for the external diff tool to understand the correct arguments.

By addressing these common issues, you can ensure that your branch comparison process is smooth and efficient. At compare.edu.vn, we aim to provide you with the knowledge and tools to overcome any challenges you may face.

8. Real-World Examples of Branch Comparison

To illustrate the practical application of branch comparison in SVN, let’s consider a few real-world examples.

8.1. Feature Branch Integration

A team is developing a new e-commerce platform. One developer is working on a feature branch called feature/new-payment-gateway to integrate a new payment gateway.

8.1.1. Scenario

The developer has made significant changes to the codebase, including adding new files, modifying existing ones, and updating database schemas.
The team needs to ensure that these changes are compatible with the main branch (trunk) before merging.

8.1.2. Branch Comparison Steps

Compare the Feature Branch with Trunk:
- Using TortoiseSVN, the developer compares the feature/new-payment-gateway branch with the trunk using the Compare Revisions method.
- This reveals a list of changed files, including:
  - src/PaymentGateway.java (new file)
  - src/CheckoutController.java (modified)
  - db/schema.sql (modified)
Examine Individual File Diffs:
- The developer examines the diffs for each file using TortoiseMerge.
- In src/CheckoutController.java, the developer notices a conflict where both the feature branch and the trunk have modified the same lines of code.
Resolve Conflicts:
- The developer manually resolves the conflict in src/CheckoutController.java, ensuring that both the new payment gateway and the existing functionality work correctly.
Test the Integrated Code:
- The developer runs automated tests and performs manual testing to ensure that the new payment gateway is working correctly and does not introduce any regressions.