Using IntelliJ to diff two arbitrary files

Question

I\'m really liking the IntelliJ diff tool. I\'m wondering if it is possible to use this tool to diff two arbitrary files. I.e. files NOT in an IntelliJ project. Just pick tw

Answer 1

IntelliJ Idea 13 has a feature labeled Compare with Clipboard. This feature compares the current open file with a version that you have copied into your clipboard. It's a great, easy way to compare and merge two files easily. It can also be used to compare two arbitrary blocks of code. Can't figure out why one block works and another does not? Use this feature.

This option is present under View > Compare with Clipboard. I assigned an easy to remember keyboard shortcut to give me quick access to this feature.