3

I would like to compare

  • File1-v1.txt with File1-v2.txt

and

  • File2-v1.txt with File2-v2.txt

at the same time. I tried to create the following layout:

+------------------+------------------+
|                  |                  |
|   File1-v1.txt  <=>  File1-v2.txt   |  // scroll synchronized diff
|                  |                  |
+------------------+------------------+
|                  |                  |
|   File2-v1.txt  <=>  File2-v2.txt   |  // *another* scroll synchronized diff
|                  |                  |
+------------------+------------------+

What I get is a 4-way diff, where all four buffers were scroll-synchronozed and compared. That's cool, but it's not what I want in my special case.

How can I configure vim to show me two separate "2-way diff sessions" instead of the one 4-way diff?

PS
This would be particular useful when analysing Git history of two (or more) files.

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4
  • 1
    AFAIK, this isn't possible. Regarding the 2-way/3-way/4-way diff, check Splice plugin.
    – Luc Hermitte
    Nov 22 '16 at 17:38
  • 1
    You can use tabpages to view different sets of diffs, as diff are local to the current tab page. See :h diff.txt
    – Peter Rincker
    Nov 22 '16 at 17:48
  • @PeterRincker Using multiple tabs looks like acceptable workaround. At least, if using a single vim instance is a constraint. Would you like make an answer out of your suggestion?
    – Boris Brodski
    Nov 24 '16 at 10:53
  • 1
    alternatively, if you want exactly that layout and you don't mind having multiple Vim, you could have a tmux/screen split and two independant Vim instance.
    – nobe4
    Nov 28 '16 at 16:52
1

You can use tabpages to view different sets of diffs, as diff are local to the current tab page.

For more information see:

:h diff.txt
:h tabpage
:h gt
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1

I'd split the terminal, for instance in konsole: Ctrl-Shift-) Then in each terminal I'd make the corresponding diff.

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1
  • This is a great idea and depending on the situation, it can be very helpful. But most of the time I prefer to have a single instance of vim per project. Thank you.
    – Boris Brodski
    Nov 28 '16 at 23:14

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