How to compare two directories (including sub directories) for differences?

Question

How can I compare two directories with sub dirs to see where is the difference?

Answer 1

Under Linux:

$ diff -r /first/directory /second/directory

Under Windows: you'd probably better download and install WinMerge, then

> WinMerge /r c:\first\folder c:\second\folder

M

Answer 2

Beyond Compare is a good commercial tool, $30 or so. Runs under windows, has an eval version. http://www.scootersoftware.com/

Answer 3

On Windows, I believe windiff does it, however Winmerge is my tool of choice for this job. It's open source and does a very neat job of comparing two sets of directory trees.

edit: oops, was beaten to it by Marius

Answer 4

DiffMerge for Windows shows differences including subfolders in a window. There is also a portable version somewhere but a quick search revealed this download: http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/File-Management/SourceGear-DiffMerge.shtml

Greetz, GHad