How do I compare files from the explorer interface using a session?

[Alexo]

I would like to select 2 files in explorer to compare via the right-click menu, and have the comparison done using the settings saved in the session of my choice.

However, it seems that the files are always compared using the "unnamed default session" and I found no way of changing the session without re-entering the files to compare.

[psguru]

You can actually specify command line options for Shell integration under Options | Global. You can add an /se option there if you wish.

[Alexo]

Yes, but it will apply the session to *all* comparisons made from explorer. That does not help if I want to compare two files with one session, then another two files with another sesssion, etc. Basically an ad-hoc decision that I find happens quite often.

It would be helpful to switch sessions while keeping the content of the currently compared panes.
The only way I can see to switch to a different session is to open a new comparison, which does not preserve the panes.
Adding a [Keep files] button to the "new comparison" dialog (similar to [empty files]) should address the issue, or alternatively, a "switch session" option.

Aside: is there a way to switch between text/binary/table modes?

[psguru]

It would be helpful to switch sessions while keeping the content of the currently compared panes.
The only way I can see to switch to a different session is to open a new comparison, which does not preserve the panes.
Adding a [Keep files] button to the "new comparison" dialog (similar to [empty files]) should address the issue, or alternatively, a "switch session" option.

Or you can use the Options dialog and import your desired options from a previously exported file.

Aside: is there a way to switch between text/binary/table modes?

Files | Compare As

[Alexo]

Or you can use the Options dialog and import your desired options from a previously exported file.

Won't it overwrite the options of the current (default) session? That would be a bad thing.

Files | Compare As

Does not work for me.

1. Open a new comparison without files.
2. Type 11,22,33 into the left pane, and 11,--,33 into the right one.
3. All the "compare as" options are greyed out.

[psguru]

Won't it overwrite the options of the current (default) session? That would not be a good thing.

It will. Unfortunately, this all I can propose. Changing sessions on the fly is unlikely to happen, mostly due to the amount of effort and lack of requests (not counting yours).

[Alexo]

Fair enough.

How about the alternative I suggested?

Adding a [Keep files] button to the "new comparison" dialog (similar to [empty files]) should address the issue

It could either pre-populate the new comparison dialog with the current "first" and "second" file/directory text boxes, or immediately launch a comparison with those files/directories.

[psguru]

What about the existing "Retain file/directory pair when changing session" option under Options | Global?

[Alexo]

It almost works!

To illustrate the problem:
1. In session #1 compare two files: file-1 and file-2
2. Still in session #1, compare two directories, dir-1 and dir-2
3. Open a new comparison, select session #2, and choose two different files: file-3 and file-4 (edit: fixed)
4. Set the global setting
5. Open new comparison, and select session #1 (edit: fixed)

Expected result:
The dialog is populated with file-3 and file-4

Actual result:
The dialog is populated with the directories dir-1 and dir-2
Switching to files, still uses the LRU file-1 and file-2

[psguru]

1. In session #1 compare two files: file-1 and file-2
2. Still in session #1, compare two directories, dir-1 and dir-2
3. Switch to session #2, comparing two different files, file-3 and file-4

How do you switch?

4. Set the global setting
5. Open new comparison, and select session #2

You are already in Session 2, how can you switch to it again?

[Alexo]

How do you switch?

Open a new comparison (description fixed)

You are already in Session 2, how can you switch to it again?

By using the mystical power of the typo! (description fixed)

[psguru]

This is actually by design. The option only works if the same comparison mode is used between sessions in question. Changing this would be complicated.

[Alexo]

Is it possible to default to the same (current) comparison mode when that setting is set?

Or alternatively, remembering the files/dirs in the current comparison and filling them in when the user switches to the same mode in the dialog (also when the setting is set)?

[psguru]

Unfortunately, none of these are easy.

[Alexo]

Oh well. Thank you regardless.