Beyond Compare parses the plain text directory listings sent from the FTP server in order to determine the remote folder structure. Unfortunately, there is no one standard for these listings.
These settings help Beyond Compare understand the conventions and capabilities of the FTP server.
LIST options:
Use MLSD command
Requests high-resolution timestamps from the server. If successful, the following settings are ignored. Soft links will be listed as plain files and directories, and listings won't be recursive.
Show hidden [-a]
Makes the FTP server include files that it wouldn't normally include, such as UNIX filenames that begin with a period.
Force long format [-l]
Attempts to change the output of the FTP server list command. Try this option if BC doesn't list any files when it loads.
Complete timestamps [-T]
Expands the timestamps that the FTP server returns to include a full date and time, including seconds.
Resolve links [-L]
Makes the FTP server list soft links as plain files and directories with the timestamp and size of the link's target.
Recursive [-R]
Makes directory listings recursive, including contents of the subdirectories in response to a single FTP list command. Recursive listings may be slower initially, but save time overall if subdirectories will need to be examined eventually.
Link resolution:
FTP sites can connect files together using symbolic "links" which point from one area of the site to another. These links do not specify whether they point to files or folders, so the following methods of resolving are available:
Fast: Requires no extra transfers. Any link which has an extension (eg. '.txt') is considered a file and all others are considered folders.
Simple: BC will attempt to change directories into every link as it encounters it. If that succeeds the link is considered a folder, otherwise it is considered a file.
Miscellaneous settings:
Fetch incomplete timestamps
Tries to fetch the file's last modified time in cases where the directory listing only reports the date. This will provide more accurate timestamp comparisons at the cost of some performance. Not supported on all FTP servers.
Hide VMS versions
Only the most recent version of a file is included and will align with a local file. Otherwise, all versions of the file are included with their version numbers.
Note If you need help with the settings on this page, consult your system administrator.