FMDiff

FMDiff is a powerful standalone application designed for Windows and Macintosh. Developed using C++, it allows users to compare FileMaker Pro files and Clone files without additional software. The program reads two files simultaneously, following the file's internal structure to detect deviations and report them accordingly. If FMDiff encounters a structural error, it stops and displays an appropriate error message. This feature increases security in two distinct ways. Firstly, it checks whether the structure is well-formed. Secondly, it compares the structure and definitions with a known good copy or Clone.

FMDiff facilitates self-testing and verification by allowing anyone to apply changes to a file and compare those changes to the FMDiff report. However, it's important to note that FMDiff does not test or compare any data entered, except for showing the number of record changes in the tables. The program uses the file name and internal element IDs to track identity. While files must maintain their names to be recognized, tables, fields, or other elements may be renamed. Any changes of names will be reported.

It's worth noting that elements that change temporarily, such as Last find request, Sort order, list sequences of Tables, Fields, Value lists, Scripts, etc., or are related to data entered will be skipped. FMDiff offers some key features that make it an excellent tool for users, including the ability to compare FileMaker Pro files and list differences, unveiling secret information about FileMaker Pro files, and testing for damages.

The latest release of FMDiff comes with several new features, including the ability to show structural file errors in the summary report and display the error count in the summary list of files. Comparison errors are reported in a special section, and the validity of the link to the previous block is also checked. The report now indicates explicitly the equality of the files. Additionally, the HTML/XML report format is now automatically stored in preferences. Custom report header fields are added again to the report, and paths with umlaut characters are supported for XML reports. A bug that caused the program to crash when comparing uncomparable files has been eliminated, as well as a bug that caused a crash when an error was found in the first block.

In conclusion, FMDiff is a highly effective software solution for comparing FileMaker Pro files and Clone files, with a range of features that streamline the process and improve security. Its latest updates have added significant value, making it an even more valuable tool for its users.