Extra Lines break with Compare tool

Mathieu Chapoton

Hello,

I’m a beginner with Notepad++, I’m working for a compagny which use .prg files.
When I open normally this file with Notepad++, the syntaxe of the file looks like correct as expected.

But when I use Compare tool to see difference with another files, the Compare mode allow me too see very important line break (sometimes more than 200) whereas I don’t see these in normal mode.
I tried to play with the format of the Line ending (Settings/Preference/New document), without success.

These important line break creates problem in our system. Could I have an explanation why I don’t see these lines jump in normal mode? What is the difference with the Compare mode for line break?

Thank you for your Help.

Mathieu

Terry R

@Mathieu-Chapoton said:

I tried to play with the format of the Line ending (Settings/Preference/New document),

Firstly, compare will show differences between 2 files, so you will definitely see line ending codes where they differ between the 2 files, just as it displays ANY character differences.

As for the setting, that is for new files, not existing files you open with NPP. I think your problem is that you aren’t making the line ending codes visible. I’m not at a PC, but I believe it’s under the view menu. Once the option is ticked (there are multiple options) you should see characters like tabs, spaces and line endings if you set them.

See if that helps.

Terry

Mathieu Chapoton

Hi Terry,

First of all many thanks for your tips.
Actually I find out I was confuse by the compare tool which add blank lines on a file to make it comparable with the other. It’s why I got huge blocs of blank line.
I set “Show all Characters” from view menu and it lighted my lind.

Thanks so much.

Mathieu

Alan Kilborn

@Mathieu-Chapoton said:

confuse by the compare tool which add blank lines on a file to make it comparable with the other

I don’t use the Notepad++ Compare plugin, but in other comparison tools I’m familiar with, in this situation the “blank lines” are only added for visual reference (they aren’t really in the file) and they usually appear different (shading) than real blank lines. Just some tips for your understanding moving forward…

PeterJones

@Mathieu-Chapoton / @Alan-Kilborn,

Yes, Npp Compare Plugin does display blank lines for lines that don’t exist; for example:

Imgur

Those lines aren’t really there in the file; the plugin just shows the blank lines to line things up visually.