Gray folder pairs contain identical files / folders only?

[Donk]

When a folder pair is gray like here

both folders have identical files and folders, is the right? And they are shown in the same color independently of the view I use, so e.g. with this one:

So when I delete one of the folders of such a folder pair I never can delete an orphan, unequal file, is the right? The only files I would delete then are duplicates?

And such a light gray folder means, it contains files being older but with identical content?

Or time an size are the same only?

[Zoë]

Yes, if a folder is dark gray on both sides it contains only exactly matching files/folders and does not contain any orphans or differences.

By default the file operations respect display filters, so if you this filter set and you try to delete a folder that contains a mix, it will delete the duplicated files but leave all of the others and the selected folder there.

So when I delete one of the folders of such a folder pair I never can delete an orphan, unequal file, is the right? The only files I would delete then are duplicates?

That's correct.

And such a light gray folder means, it contains files being older but with identical content?

A light gray folder means that there are older files in the folder either with differences in content or where the content hasn't been compared. It also includes black files that have identical content. The files with differences will be displayed in a light gray text that matches the folder coloring, but aren't visible because of your display filter.

As I mentioned above, you can select that folder for deletion and BC will leave the file and the invisible files alone. When you have a selection like that the confirmation dialog will have this panel visible:



You need to explicitly check the '"Include hidden items in operation" checkbox if you want to delete the folder or the non-duplicate files.

[Donk]

Thank you very much, Zoë.

Originally Posted by Donk View Post
By default the file operations respect display filters, so if you this filter set and you try to delete a folder that contains a mix, it will delete the duplicated files but leave all of the others and the selected folder there.

You need to explicitly check the '"Include hidden items in operation" checkbox if you want to delete the folder or the non-duplicate files.
So with this setting unchecked it is not possible to accidentally delete files, is it right? Only the file are deleted which are displayed?

A light gray folder means that there are older files in the folder either with differences in content or where the content hasn't been compared.

To know which kind of files are in that (collapsed) light gray folder I have to look at the colors of the same folder on the other side which would show whether there are e.g. unequal files (red colored) or newer ones or orphans. So, if I delete a light gray folder I could delete a file which should not be deleted.

Very complicated to me.

Many thanks, again.

[Zoë]

So with this setting unchecked it is not possible to accidentally delete files, is it right? Only the file are deleted which are displayed?

Correct, it will only delete the files that are visible if you expand the folder.

To know which kind of files are in that (collapsed) light gray folder I have to look at the colors of the same folder on the other side which would show whether there are e.g. unequal files (red colored) or newer ones or orphans. So, if I delete a light gray folder I could delete a file which should not be deleted.

Very complicated to me.

It depends on what your display filter is. If you have it set to show only identical files, then as I said, trying to delete a light gray folder will delete the identical files but leave the folder itself and any files with differences there. On the whole though, yes, Beyond Compare can be complicated, and it's important to be careful in your usage of it. We've tried to make it as simple and intuitive as possible, but that's offset by its need to be powerful and flexible enough for all the different ways our customers use it.

[Donk]

Yes, very difficult for me, and yes, it is in the nature of things, the more options, functions....alright, I (hope to) understand, thank you very much.