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DonationCoder.com Software => Older DC Contests and Challenges => N.A.N.Y. 2009 => Topic started by: fenixproductions on November 30, 2008, 08:31 AM

Title: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on November 30, 2008, 08:31 AM
NANY 2009 (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?board=273.0) Entry Information
This is my first more serious coding work. I hope there will be small number of bugs :)
Application Name Comparer
Version 1.0.10.0
Short Description Comparer is files compare application which uses Total Commander's WDX plugins (http://www.totalcmd.net/directory/content.html).
Supported OSes All Windows
Web Page http://www.dcmembers.com/fenix/
Download Link http://www.dcmembers.com/fenix/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/myapps/comparer.zip
System Requirements
  • .Net 2.0 framework
  • WDX plugins (for properties info)
  • WLX plugins (for thumbnails)
Version History
  • 1.0.10.0 - changed: updated SourceGrid control;
  • 1.0.9.0 - fixed: "Scan for plugins" generated errors for new config, ThreadAbortException handled; added: temporary skipping FileDesc.wdx;
  • 1.0.8.0 - fixed starting with no INI (also "default" name added); fixed saving schemes when there was no "configs" directory;
  • 1.0.7.0 (2009.04.01) - wdx_proxy.dll updated;
  • 1.0.7.0 (2009.03.28) - few translations added (Chinese, Dutch, Norwegian, Slovak, Spanish);
  • 1.0.7.0 - added configuration switch combobox; added translations handling; added French language file (thanks to Clo);
  • 1.0.6.0 - changed plugins handling engine to external wdx_proxy.dll; fixed another bug with "show empty" and "shwo different"option;
  • 1.0.5.0 - fixed few errors with "show empty" and "show different"; fixed colouring different items; changed files names always shown; added image header generation; added option for opening files with associated application; added date formatting description;
  • 1.0.4.0 - fixed "show empty" did not worked correctly; added customizable output file names; added customizable CSV separators and text quotes;
  • 1.0.3.2 - fixed panels refreshing problem (drag'n'drop did not make them enabled);
  • 1.0.3.1 - fixed small extensions bug; plugins options panels are disabled if there are no plugins;
  • 1.0.3.0 - "Show empty" option now works for thumbnails; files icons might be shown when there is no thumbnails;
  • 1.0.2.0 - Export feature has been rewritten (additional image formats, external header/footer files usage); few bug fixes (some dates were shown incorrectly);
  • 1.0.1.0 - replaced menu with toolstrip (for better stick mode indication); added wordwrap option; Settings dialog changes;
  • 1.0.0.0 - added shortcuts handling; little layout changes (icons); export feature; added "Stick mode";
  • 0.0.9.0 - replaced tree control with list; fixed problem with Explorer thumbs (sometimes they were not shown); fixed lists bug (lists containing more than two element were ignored);
  • 0.0.8.1 - fixed issue with plugins under 64bit systems;
  • 0.0.8.0 - main window is refreshed after Options change; default plugins path is configurable now; added option for automatic scan for plugins (in default directory); few minor bug fixes (and code clean-up);
  • 0.0.7.1 - fixed problem with folders and %L parameter;
  • 0.0.7.0 - added alternative configs support; thumbnails height can be customized; plugins fields visibility can be customized;
  • 0.0.6.4 - thumbnail plugins (WLX) show extensions suggestions;
  • 0.0.6.3 - fixed nasty bug which was causing crashes with some plugins (more of them should be supported now);
  • 0.0.6.2 - browsing for plugins now gives proper extensions suggestions; few problems with plugins drag'n'drop corrected;
  • 0.0.6.1 - thumbnails are cleared on drag'n'drop; corrected adding WLX plugs and comparers (some details were taken from WDX tab);
  • 0.0.6.0 - external comparing tools even more configurable
  • 0.0.5.0 - added thumbnails handling
  • 0.0.4.0 - first public release
Author fenixproductions (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=39166)


Description
Many times when I was updating my software (or files) I needed an application for quick properties comparison. All of the existing files compare applications offer viewing files content but not some files types properties. So I wrote a tool where the main feature is Total Commander's content plugins usage. I can can easily "take two files" (or only one) and view their properties like: ID3 tags, resolutions or EXE headers. The only effort to take is to find nice plug in and add to application.

Features

Planned Features

Screenshots

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Usage
Installation
Just unpack archive anywhere but remember that it needs write rights to it's directory.

Using the Application
Files can be dragged into application's form.

Command line parameters are also implemented:
comparer.exe %1
- file %1 will be loaded;
comparer.exe %1 %2
- file %1 will be compared with %2;
comparer.exe -L %1
- application will load %1 file with the list of files to compare (one or two lines only for now);
comparer.exe -c %C %1
- application will load %1 and use %C configuration file;
comparer.exe -c %C %1 %2
- same as above but works with two files;
comparer.exe -c %C -L %1
- application will process %1 list using %C configuration file;
Uninstallation
Just delete it.

Known Issues
FileDesc.wdx seems to crash Comparer completely (I can't find the way to prevent that other than skipping this plugin). Please remember about it while adding WDX files manualy! Other plugins should work correctly now. If you find an error, please, report it.

All known working plugins list here (http://www.dcmembers.com/fenix/comparer-content/).

WLX plugins are supported for thumbnails generation. Please check some of them (and report working ones) after downloading from:
http://www.totalcmd.net/directory/lister.html
http://en.totalcmd.pl/download/wlx

For more info please go to WWW page!
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: mouser on November 30, 2008, 10:28 AM
An extremely clever idea to use the wdx plugins to do this -- and I think this is pretty amazing.   :o
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on December 08, 2008, 12:48 PM
Version 0.0.5.0 is alive with thumbnails support.

Preview images are generated in separate thread using WLX plugins. In the case of no plugin associated with extension, Windows Explorer thumb might be seen.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on December 09, 2008, 03:53 AM
Following mouser's wish.... ComparerCmd 0.0.1.0 has been written.

This is console version of application from above. It should be unpacked into Comparer's directory because it uses the same config file.

Usage:
comparercmd.exe file

where "file" is your file's name.

What it does?
Prints in console window whole information about given file (using WDX plugins, of course).

Download (http://cid-e12762cbdafb3c47.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/TC/comparercmd%7C_0.0.1.0.rar)
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on December 12, 2008, 08:42 PM
Version 0.0.6.0 is out!

I have removed "General compare" option. It was replaced by separating external comparing tools from WDX plugins. Now it is possible to specify what application should handle given extensions later.

Additionally I've found (and fixed) few nasty bugs which were duplicating some entries in memory. ASAP I will make this fixes for console version too.

Two questions for members:
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on December 13, 2008, 07:33 PM
ComparerCmd 0.0.2.0 has been released.

I've fixed few small bugs found in GUI version and trimmed down few classes from unwanted code (mainly WLX support and reading INI data)

Download (http://cid-e12762cbdafb3c47.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/TC/comparercmd%7C_0.0.2.0.zip)
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: iphigenie on December 15, 2008, 12:19 PM
This looks awesome! Downloading it now :D
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on December 15, 2008, 04:10 PM
Version 0.0.6.1 released.

Few fixes has been done (check first post for more info).
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on December 15, 2008, 07:46 PM
New version (0.0.6.2) new bug fixes :)

Additionally, please take a look on WWW page.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on December 17, 2008, 08:23 PM
New version (0.0.6.3) released with serious one bug fix. More WDX plugins should work from now.

Edit
Oh! Command line version has been also fixed (0.0.2.1).


Edit 2
I made quick test and about 50 additional WDX plugins gave no errors during that!
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: mouser on December 17, 2008, 09:57 PM
ooh i can't wait to try the commandline version --
before i download, can i ask -- can the commandline version just display all known info about a single file? (ie without requiring an actual comparison between two files)?
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on December 18, 2008, 04:00 AM
2mouser
Commandline version works with single files only.

Currently I am trying to focus on Comparer, so if there is something missing for commandline (like different output format), give me a hint. If everything will be OK then I might add comparison mode for it. As stated before: this was made for your request so feel free to point out anything.

PS. Please take a look here (http://fenixproductions.dcmembers.com/files/compcmd.html) before asking ;)
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: mouser on December 18, 2008, 10:33 AM
Nice; the only thing that would be a cool option would be a html output option which outputted the results in a more compact html table.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on December 18, 2008, 01:19 PM
Version 0.0.6.4 is out!

WLX plugins shows extensions suggestions (only if they support that). Being honest: it's been done two versions ago but I simply called wrong methods (similar names) ;)

2mouser
I will try do do that more configurable as soon as I finish testing additional plugins (36).
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: mouser on December 18, 2008, 01:32 PM
great -- i'll make sure we have a plugin/alias available for FARR that can use it -- this will actually be the first use of the brand new ability for FARR to support custom right-click context menu extensions.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: mouser on December 18, 2008, 01:32 PM
notice i say "i'll make sure we have a plugin".. that's code speak for i will try to convince ewemoa or czb to write the alias/plugin, and will fall back to doing it myself if i should fail in this :)
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on December 20, 2008, 11:23 AM
Comparer 0.0.7.0 is out!

2mouser
Commandline version has been also updated (0.0.3.0) and now supports "-h" switch for generating HTML file with details.

More info on WWW.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: mouser on December 20, 2008, 02:57 PM
wonderful.  html output looks great too.  :up: :up: :up:
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on December 22, 2008, 08:17 PM
Little improvement of commandline version (0.0.3.1):

If "header.html" or "footer.html" files exist in ComparerCmd directory, their content will be imported into "output.html" file.

Additionally user can put two variables inside those files:
- %f - will be replaced by file's name,
- %p - will be replaced by file's path.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on December 26, 2008, 12:39 PM
New versions are out!

Main change in both of them is x64 fix.

ComparerCmd (0.0.4.1) now supports also "-d" switch. It will allow the user to see an info about empty plugins. By default no empty plugins are shown.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: mouser on December 26, 2008, 01:15 PM
Commandline version is working perfectly now -- i will post a farr plugin that uses comparercmd this weekend.
GREAT STUFF.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: Lutz_ on December 27, 2008, 11:09 AM
Hello, this looks very interesting!  I have to admit however that I do not understand how to use a WDX plugin at all.    :-[
Would I need TotalCommander to run your Comparer?  Just wanted to note, that it might be helpful to add an introduction or an explanation link for non-geeks once the development settles down a bit.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on December 27, 2008, 02:42 PM
2Lutz_
Please take a look on WWW and you will find that:
1. TC is not required,
2. simple "step by step how to" if written down there (even with movie).
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on December 29, 2008, 10:50 AM
0.0.9.0 is out (hard time before New Year)
I've decided to change used control completely. Additionaly I found out Explorer thumbnails bug and had to fix that.
I have also fixed lists bug (lists containing more than two element were ignored);
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on December 29, 2008, 08:13 PM
1.0.0.0 is out and can be assumed as final for N.A.N.Y :)

All information can be exported to CSV, HTML or BMP files.

Some shortcuts keys were added:
Ctrl+C - copy selected row as plain text,
Shift+C - copy selected row as RTF,
Esc - close window (works for main form and settings).

Additionally there is a feature called "Sticky mode". By default: dropping a file into Comparer will show its details. Each drop - new info shown but previous attributes disappear. In "Sticky mode" columns content is replaced only, so (ex.) if you're viewing two files and drop new one into left column -> right file will stay and only first one will be replaced.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on January 02, 2009, 07:58 PM
1.0.1.0 is out :)

Few things have been fixed and few other - added.

I hope I will focus on Export feature from now.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on January 05, 2009, 04:40 PM
Comparer 1.0.2.0 is out:


ComparerCmd 0.0.5.0 is out:

Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: mouser on January 09, 2009, 03:43 AM
I posted a FARR plugin that was built to use the ComparerCmd tool:
https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=16492
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on January 12, 2009, 01:01 PM
1.0.3.0 is available.

Since now when there is no thumbnails, "No preview" row will be hidden by default. This feature is now connected with "Show empty/error nodes" option., so the only way to see it again is checking it.

There is also the possibility to see files icons too.
When there is no thumbnail, icon will be shown. This procedure will also resize row's height when needed.

OK. 1.0.3.1 with two changes ;)

Ehhh.... I was careless and forgot about enabling panels after drag'n'drop so 1.0.3.2 had to be published.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on January 14, 2009, 12:33 PM
Ha! I will be famous ;)
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,75940-order,3-page,2/description.html
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: mouser on January 14, 2009, 01:07 PM
very nice  :up:
i've said it before and i'll say it again, this is a brilliant idea that's bound to be extremely useful to those people who need this kind of thing.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: Perry Mowbray on January 16, 2009, 10:38 PM
Ha! I will be famous ;)
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,75940-order,3-page,2/description.html
-fenixproductions (January 14, 2009, 12:33 PM)

Also here: http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/01/16/compare-any-two-files-with-comparer/ (http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/01/16/compare-any-two-files-with-comparer/)

 :Thmbsup:
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on January 16, 2009, 11:05 PM
2Perry Mowbray
Thank you for information about it.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: gexecuter on January 18, 2009, 01:14 PM
hey i featured your program in my blog:

http://elitefreeware.blogspot.com/2009/01/compare-your-files-with-comparer.html

Nice app btw  :D
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on January 18, 2009, 03:09 PM
2gexecuter
Thank you.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on January 22, 2009, 07:22 AM
1.0.4.0
- fixed - "show empty" did not worked correctly;
- added - customizable output file names;
- added - customizable CSV separators and text quotes;

Output names can use additional variables :)
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on January 27, 2009, 06:13 PM
1.0.5.0
- fixed - few errors with "show empty" and "show different";
- fixed - colouring different items;
- changed - files names always shown;
- added - image header generation;
- added - option for opening files with associated application;
- added - date formatting description;
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: skywalka on January 28, 2009, 12:57 AM
2Lutz_
Please take a look on WWW and you will find that:
1. TC is not required,
2. simple "step by step how to" if written down there (even with movie).
-fenixproductions (December 27, 2008, 02:42 PM)
I agree that mention should be made in the first post that TC isn't required.  I had to dig deep to find out if this works without TC.  I think you'd have more users.

Isn't it possible to create a registry key to use Comparer via the context menu?  Something like
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\Comparer\Command]
""drive:\path\Comparer.exe" %1 %2"

I'm not familiar with the formatting and you can't google search "%1".

If this was directly accessible from Explorer it would always be one of the first things I installed.  It should be built-in as default.  Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on January 28, 2009, 04:19 AM
2skywalka
"TC issue" is described in Requirements :)

I've been also trying to make Comparer work from Explorer's context menu but registry tricks are not working for multiple files. Comparer is loaded for each file separately. I spent two days investigating this problem back in December and the only thing I could make is to make Comparer use only single instance. In this case it was OK. Unfortunately: I don't want that this way because I would like to have the possibility to have as many Comparers opened as I like.

There might be the way: shell extensions. If someone is wiling to write one for my app I will gladly distribute it together with one package. True is I've tried to write it in C# by my own but it appeared to be too much for me to achieve :(

I will gladly welcome anyone who is willing to create Explorer's menu extension for Comparer.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: kwacky1 on January 28, 2009, 04:56 AM
2skywalka
I've been also trying to make Comparer work from Explorer's context menu but registry tricks are not working for multiple files. Comparer is loaded for each file separately. I spent two days investigating this problem back in December and the only thing I could make is to make Comparer use only single instance. In this case it was OK. Unfortunately: I don't want that this way because I would like to have the possibility to have as many Comparers opened as I like.

There might be the way: shell extensions. If someone is wiling to write one for my app I will gladly distribute it together with one package. True is I've tried to write it in C# by my own but it appeared to be too much for me to achieve :(

I will gladly welcome anyone who is willing to create Explorer's menu extension for Comparer.
-fenixproductions (January 28, 2009, 04:19 AM)

There's an even easier solution that works brilliantly. 
Create a shortcut to comparer in your SendTo folder, now select any 2 files in explorer, right click, SendTo->Comparer.


Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: skywalka on January 28, 2009, 05:07 AM
 :tellme:
 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Too easy.  lol
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on January 28, 2009, 05:25 AM
2kwacky1
You're right. I forgot that one.

Well, no wonder about that. I don't even remember have I ever used "Send To" ;)
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: kwacky1 on January 29, 2009, 08:37 AM
Well, no wonder about that. I don't even remember have I ever used "Send To" ;)
-fenixproductions (January 28, 2009, 05:25 AM)

I couldn't live without it  ;D

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on February 26, 2009, 01:21 PM
Comparer 1.0.6.0  and ComparerCmd 0.0.6.0 are out.

The main change is replacing internal plugins handling engine with external DLL (wdx_proxy) written by Franck8244.
Thanks to this step few more plugins work with my tool.

I have also uploaded Extended pack which contains:
- Comparer and ComparerCmd tools,
- Office 2007 plugin - for viewing MS Office 2007 files properties,
- SVGwdx plugin - for viewing SVG images properties,
- xPDFSearch plugin - for PDF files properties (by Lefteous).
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on March 06, 2009, 09:33 AM
1.0.7.0 is out!

Changes:
- added - configuration switch combobox;
- added - translations handling;
- added - French language file;
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on May 04, 2009, 12:07 PM
1.0.8.0 is out!

Changes:
- fixed - starting with no INI (also "default" name added);
- fixed - saving schemes when there was no "configs" directory;
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on May 14, 2009, 02:21 PM
1.0.9.0 is out!

Changes:
- fixed: "Scan for plugins" generated errors for new config;
- fixed - ThreadAbortException handled;
- added: temporary skipping FileDesc.wdx;
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: fenixproductions on July 06, 2009, 07:42 AM
1.0.10.0 is out!

I've updated SourceGrid control to 4.21 version. I hope this will fix rare exception with double click on separators.
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: chashnniel on January 27, 2019, 07:51 AM
is there a way to use parameters in total commander start menu(Alt+S)
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: AbteriX on January 28, 2019, 05:32 AM
Hey! Found that tool first now because of chashnniel's post.


But I get a 404 Not Found on
http://fenixproductions.dcmembers.com/files/comparer.zip



 
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: hamradio on January 28, 2019, 10:35 AM
But I get a 404 Not Found on
http://fenixproductions.dcmembers.com/files/comparer.zip


From where the dcmembers sites was rearranged...

So should be able to find on:
http://www.dcmembers.com/fenix/
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: AbteriX on January 28, 2019, 02:29 PM
Thanks hamradio, that works.

Could some moderator please update the Download Link at first post?


 
Title: Re: NANY 2009 Release: Comparer
Post by: skwire on January 28, 2019, 03:14 PM
Could some moderator please update the Download Link at first post?

Done.   :)