How to compare two projects in STM32CubeIDE?

 Comparing two projects in STM32CubeIDE can be done using several methods. Here's a comprehensive guide to the most effective approaches:

Method 1: Using STM32CubeIDE's Built-in Compare Feature

Compare Files within the Same Workspace

1. Select both projects in Project Explorer:

   • Hold Ctrl and click on both projects you want to compare

   • Right-click → Compare With → Each Other

2. Alternatively, compare specific files:

   • Navigate to similar files in both projects (e.g., main.c)

   • Select both files (Ctrl + click)

   • Right-click → Compare With → Each Other

The Comparison Editor

STM32CubeIDE will open a comparison view showing:

• Side-by-side differences with color coding

• Green: Added content

• Red: Removed content

• Gray: Unchanged content

• Navigation arrows to jump between differences

Method 2: Using Integrated Git Comparison

If your projects are under version control:

Initialize Git Repository

bash

# In your project directory
git init
git add .
git commit -m "Initial project version"

Compare with Git

1. Stage your changes

2. Use Team → Synchronize Workspace to see differences

3. Or use Right-click project → Compare With → Git Revision/Branch...

Method 3: External Comparison Tools Integration

Configure External Compare Tool

1. Go to Window → Preferences → General → Compare/Patch

2. Configure external tools like:

   • Beyond Compare

   • WinMerge (Windows)

   • Meld (Linux)

   • Kaleidoscope (macOS)

Setup Example for WinMerge:

text

Window → Preferences → General → Compare/Patch
- Check "Use external compare tool"
- Path: C:\Program Files\WinMerge\WinMergeU.exe
- Arguments: %1 %2

Method 4: Manual Project Structure Comparison

Key Files to Compare in STM32CubeIDE Projects:

1. .ioc File (Most Important)

• Contains all STM32CubeMX configurations

• Compare using: Right-click → Compare With → Each Other

2. Core Source Files

• Core/Src/main.c

• Core/Src/stm32xx_it.c (Interrupt handlers)

• Core/Inc/main.h

3. Build Configuration

• CMakeLists.txt or project configuration files

• Makefile settings

4. Linker Scripts

• STM32XXXX_FLASH.ld - Memory mapping configurations

Method 5: Step-by-Step Project Comparison Workflow

Step 1: Prepare Projects for Comparison

c

// Ensure both projects are in the same workspace
// and built for the same STM32 family

Step 2: Compare .ioc Configuration Files

1. Open both .ioc files in STM32CubeMX

2. Visually compare:

   • Pinout tab - GPIO configurations

   • Clock Configuration - Clock tree settings

   • Peripherals - Enabled peripherals and their settings

Step 3: Compare Code Structure

Use the Project Explorer to compare:

• Source file organization

• Include paths

• Library dependencies

Step 4: Use Search Functionality

Press Ctrl+H to open search dialog:

• Search for specific functions or configurations across both projects

• Use File Search tab with appropriate filters

Method 6: Advanced Techniques

Using Eclipse Workspace Comparison

1. Export project settings:

   • File → Export → General → Preferences

   • Compare the exported .epf files

2. Compare build configurations:

   • Right-click project → Properties → C/C++ Build

   • Compare settings side by side

Creating a Comparison Report

c

// You can generate a diff report using command line tools:
# On Linux/macOS
diff -r project1/ project2/ > comparison_report.txt

# On Windows with Git Bash
diff -r project1/ project2/ > comparison_report.txt

Practical Example: Comparing Two LED Blink Projects

Scenario: Project A uses HAL, Project B uses LL drivers

1. Compare .ioc files:

   • Check which drivers are selected (HAL vs LL)

   • Compare GPIO pin configurations

2. Compare main.c:

   • Look for different function calls:

   c

   // Project A (HAL)
   HAL_GPIO_TogglePin(LED_GPIO_Port, LED_Pin);
   HAL_Delay(500);
   
   // Project B (LL)
   LL_GPIO_TogglePin(LED_GPIO_Port, LED_Pin);
   LL_mDelay(500);

3. Compare project properties:

   • Optimization levels

   • Include paths

   • Preprocessor definitions

Tips for Effective Comparison

Best Practices:

1. Start with .ioc files - they contain most configuration differences

2. Use filters when comparing to ignore generated files

3. Focus on user code rather than auto-generated code

4. Compare build configurations for compiler/linker differences

5. Check peripheral initialization sequences

Files to Typically Ignore:

• Debug/ and Release/ build folders

• .settings/ directory

• Object files (*.o)

• Map files (*.map)

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: "No differences found" when there should be

Solution: Ensure you're comparing the correct file versions and that both projects are properly loaded in the workspace.

Problem: Comparison shows mostly generated code differences

Solution: Focus on user code sections (typically marked with USER CODE BEGIN/END comments in STM32CubeIDE).

This comprehensive approach will help you thoroughly compare any two STM32 projects in STM32CubeIDE and understand their differences effectively.