9.2. Difference

About this task

The Difference button provides the ability to compare a selected entity version on the PCM server vs. the local server entity by running either of the following.

Important: Automatically generatedshort point IDs replace their corresponding long point IDs to display in History difference report lists.

Tip: Use the pt_name_map.idtfile to look up what long point ID is associated with any automatically generated short point ID.

  • Binary compare
  • Text compare (available for selected entities)

Binary Compare

Binary compare that identifies the files that are different in the selected entity version vs. the entity's files on the local server.

Procedure

  1. Click the Difference button to begin the comparison process.

    When Change Management has completed comparing the local entity version vs. the select PCM version, a Web Browser opens displaying the report.

    Directory Description
    A Left List of files on the PCM server
    B Right Status of the file on the PCM server compared vs. the local directory.
  2. Scroll through the report to check the status of each file.
    Selection Description
    A Red with underline Link to a report that the files are different.
    B Matched The files are the same
    C Red with description Description of difference between the files.
  3. Click the underlined Differences exist in the Directory Comparison Report..

    Result: A report opens that lists the lines in the selected file on the PCM server vs. the local server.

    A Difference X of N. Where
    X = Identifies the sequential order of the selected line from the first lines that are different.
    N = The total number of lines that are different when the files are compared.
    B Navigation buttons are:
    Prev Click to go to the previous line that is different. Note: If you click Prev when  the selected line is the first different line in the files, the Directory Comparison Report list will display.
    Next Click to go to the next line that is different.
    C Left column Rows in the Change Management server file.
    Right colum Rows in the local file.
    D A row highlighted in red is the selected line.
    E Rows highlighted in yellow lines are different.
    F Rows with a white background are the same.

    Text Compare (available for selected entities)

    A Text Compare check box is available for selected managed files, including:

    • CimEdit screens
    • Scripts
    • Recipes

    Text Compare displays the details of the changes in the selected file when Difference is clicked.

  4. Check Text Compare.
  5. Click Difference.

Results

A Comparison report opens identifying the details of the changes.