How can I compare .dsql (Azure SQL DW and PDW) files in Visual Studio 2015?

Question

If I invoke the file diff tool in Visual Studio 2015 on a text file with extension .dsql (Azure SQL DW and PDW SQL script) I get the error:

Error occurred during difference operation: Cannot execute the configured tool

Diff works as expected for other text file extensions.

Visual Studio Professional 14.0.25431.01 Update 3 using VSTS source control.

Answer 1

You can compare text files by using the default file-comparison tool integrated with Visual Studio, the Diff window.

However, you can associate a file type with a third-party compare tool using these configuration steps.

Updated:

Alternatively, you can give a try to WinMerge tool for comparing the files, it's easy and open source:

1. Open Source Control > Visual Studio Team Foundation under the Tools > Options menu in Visual Studio.

2. Click on Configure User Tools … and the Configure User Tools dialog will become available.

   • Add the WinMerge details for the Compare Tool. Click on the Add … button on the Configure User Tools dialog and configure as per the screenshot below. The arrow button next to the arguments text box exposes details about the information that Visual Studio can provide the tool being configured.

   • The configured arguments are:

     /e /u /wl /wr /dl %6 /dr %7 %1 %2
     

3. WinMerge Command Line Options

   /e    Enables WinMerge to be closed with a single Esc key press.
   /u  Prevents WinMerge from adding either the left or right hand side  
       file path to the Most Recently Used (MRU) list.
   /wl Opens left hand side as read-only.
   /wr Opens right hand side as read-only.
   /dl Description for left hand side title bar.
   /dr Description for right hand side title bar.