Where can I download Filemerge - the app for comparing two tools and merging them?

Question

I would like to install Filemerge, but can't find where to go to download it. Where can I download it?

Answer 1

FileMerge is part of Xcode 4.x by Apple which you can download from the Mac App Store.

The following is taken from the description:

Xcode is now distributed as an application, rather than as an installer. This change enables Xcode to be updated directly from the Mac App Store.

• Includes SDKs for Mac OS X 10.7 Lion and iOS 5
• New code signing workflow supports signing OS X apps with Developer ID
• Adds installation of command-line tools to the Downloads preference pane
• Open Developer Tool menu launches Instruments, FileMerge, and other tools
• ARC migration tool converts both retain/release and garbage collected code
• Additional bug fixes and stability improvements

But FileMerge.app is now embedded inside the Xcode.app package and is not easily accessible as a standalone tool... Unless you do this:

1. Browse to /Applications/Xcode.app
2. Right-click -> Show package contents
3. Contents -> Applications
4. Right-click FileMerge.app -> Make Alias -> Enter password
5. Copy the Alias to somewhere, like /Applications
6. Delete the original Alias

Now you can use as a standalone tool, as before!

Answer 2

Alternatively, if you don't need the entire Xcode distribution, DiffMerge is also very similar and free.