TL;DR version:

• Visible Node Input Connections: The tool now displays differences in node input connections.
• UserDataDict Support: Differences in per node userDataDict are now identifiable.
• String Diff Window: A new window for comparing lengthy strings or dictionaries akin to IDEs.
• Link Sharing for Specific Nodes or Strings: Integrate this with studio workflows through environment variable setup.
• Default Setting - 'Show Only Edited': This option is now enabled by default for streamlined usage.
• API Enhancements: Significant refinements and improvements in API functionality and unit test coverage.

Node Input Connections

I have introduced a feature where changes in node input connections are now visible in the diff tool, offering more clarity and control in scene management.

UserDataDict Support

The tool now checks and displays differences in the userDataDict for each node. This feature is instrumental for custom data storage within Houdini nodes. For more information about userDataDict, please refer to the Houdini documentation.

String Diff Window

Nodes containing long strings or dictionaries can now be compared in a new window, which opens upon double-clicking. This feature presents differences in a format familiar to most IDE users, enhancing readability and efficiency.

Enhanced Sharing with String Diff Window

The string diff window includes two new functionalities: 'Copy Path' and 'Copy Link'. 'Copy Path' simply copies the node's path, whereas 'Copy Link' generates a shareable link. This link includes:

• Path to the hython executable;
• Path to the tool's main.py;
• Command line arguments (source_file, target_file, item_path).

Launching this link opens the diff tool directly at the specified node, facilitating easier sharing and debugging in a team environment. For studio setups, paths can be set using environment variables HOUDINI_HYTHON and HOUDINI_AGOL_DIFF_TOOL.

Contextual Menu Options

Right-clicking on an item in the node tree provides the same link-sharing options, streamlining the workflow.

Additional Updates

• The 'Show Only Edited' checkbox is now activated by default.
• I've implemented significant API improvements and refactorings.
• Enhanced API unit testing coverage.
• The update includes Apache 2.0 licensing.
  
  

As usual, the source code for this tool is available for everyone for free through my github repository: https://github.com/golubevcg/hip_file_diff_tool

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Manuel Kauffman for his valuable contributions in enhancing this tool.