Using the comparator with a single data source

Compare data displayed in a results tab of the IMS™ Configuration Manager Eclipse plug-in with the comparator.

About this task

When using the comparator, a data source refers to the data presented in a tab or saved display of the IMS Configuration Manager Eclipse plug-in. The comparator can compare data within a single data source, or across multiple data sources.

This procedure demonstrates a simple comparison using a single data source. For additional examples using single and multiple data sources, see Common uses of the Eclipse plug-in comparator. For additional information on comparing data sources, see Comparison criteria.

Procedure

  1. Load a list of parameter values, live resources, or the result of submitting an IMS command in a tab of the IMS Configuration Manager Eclipse plug-in. For more information on how to do this, see Exploring your environment for details.

    In the following examples, the comparison is based on list of parameters associated with a particular IMSplex.

    Figure 1. Viewing a list of parameter values using the plug-in
    The IMS Configuration Manager Eclipse plug-in showing a list of parameters.
  2. Click the Compare button (Compare icon). The Configure Comparison Criteria dialog is displayed, providing suggested comparison criteria based on the result set you selected in step 1. This result set is referred to in the dialog as Data Source 1. The columns contained within that result set are listed as follows.
    Figure 2. The Configure Comparison Criteria dialog
    The IMS Configuration Manager Eclipse plug-in showing the Configure Comparison Criteria dialog.
  3. Customize the output of your comparison. For additional detail on the Configure Comparison Criteria dialog, see Comparison criteria.
  4. Click OK to perform the comparison.

    The results of the comparison are displayed in the Compare tab. Highlights draw your attention to columns where adjacent cells contain different values. Differences in ignored columns are not highlighted.

    Figure 3. Reviewing the results of a simple comparison using the plug-in comparator
    The IMS Configuration Manager Eclipse plug-in showing the results of a comparison.
    In the preceding example, the following information is displayed:
    • A highlight is shown in the DESC column to indicate the change in values from row 1 (7) to row 2 (empty).
    • No highlight is shown in the CSLG or DC columns as they have been ignored using the Configure Comparison Criteria dialog.

What to do next

  • Click the Compare button (Compare icon) in this tab to change the comparison criteria.
  • Use the Previous Difference (Previous Difference icon) and Next Difference (Next Difference icon) buttons to jump between differences and to quickly examine the result set.