Folder Compare

CLion-style folder comparison for Visual Studio Code.

Features

• Compare two folders from one editor tab.
• Select two folders with Ctrl-click in the VS Code Explorer and run Compare Selected Directories.
• Browse an explicit hierarchical folder tree with expandable folders.
• See file sizes, modification dates, statuses, and difference counts.
• Compare text or binary content.
• Use Git's diff engine with Histogram, Myers, Patience, or Minimal algorithms.
• Fall back to a TypeScript diff engine when Git is unavailable.
• Preview identical, changed, left-only, and right-only text files.
• Open paired files in VS Code's native diff editor.
• Apply compatible changed lines from either side.

Usage

1. Install the extension.
2. In Explorer, hold Ctrl and select exactly two folders.
3. Right-click the selection.
4. Select Compare Selected Directories.
5. Expand folders and select a file to view its comparison below.

The Compare Folders command is also available from the Command Palette.

Development

npm install
npm run compile
npm run package

Press F5 in VS Code to run the extension in an Extension Development Host.

Requirements

• Visual Studio Code 1.95 or newer.
• Git is recommended for the Git-backed comparison engine. The extension has a non-Git fallback.

Limitations

• The folder comparison table and quick preview are custom webview UI.
• VS Code's native editor and diff editor open in separate editor tabs or groups.
• Full IntelliSense and language-server features are available when files are opened in VS Code's native editor.