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CSV File Diff

Overview​

The CSV File Diff feature lets you compare data across CSV or other table-structured files (such as TSV, Excel, etc.). This is useful for validating file exports, ETL processes, or migrations.

Video Demonstration​

How to Use SmartDiff CSV File Diff​

Step 1: Access SmartDiff​

  • Select Smart Diff from the left panel
  • Click Workflow to view workflow history

Step 2: Create New File Diff Workflow​

  • Click CREATE DIFF

Step 3: Select File Diff Option​

  • Choose FILE DIFF (default is DATA SOURCE DIFF)
  • Enables diff operations for local CSV or other supported files

Step 4: Upload Files​

Step 5: Review Sample Data​

  • Review sample data from both files
  • Customize headers, add/remove columns, etc.
  • Click Next

Step 6: Configure Column Mapping​

  • Review the column list for both files
  • Adjust by dragging columns, adding/removing as needed
  • Set multiple key columns if required
  • Click Next

Step 7: View Results​

Diff Overview​

Shows high-level differences between files:

  • Diff Columns: Columns with differences
  • Diff Rows: Rows with differences
  • Same Rows: Identical rows
  • Rows in Source / Rows in Target
  • Missing Rows in Target
  • New Rows in Target

Summary​

  • ALL DATA: All columns with counts
  • ONLY DIFF: Only differing columns
  • BY SOURCE / BY TARGET: Frequency-based comparisons
  • GRAPHS:
    • Numeric: Range-based counts
    • Date: Monthly frequencies
    • String/Other: Item frequency
  • Export Results: CSV/PDF

Meta Diff​

  • Shows metadata differences per column (name, datatype, etc.)
  • Highlights differences with color coding
  • Export Results available

Data Diff​

  • Groups differences into clusters
  • ONLY DIFF / ALL DATA views
  • Side by Side and Inline display modes
  • Hide non-relevant columns
  • Export Results: CSV/PDF