"Batteries Included" windows installer

[Bela Babik]

> * Many new mercurial users are coming from, or already working with SVN, so
> they are likely to already have TortoiseSVN installed (and a familiarity with
> it's tools).

Or they may use CVS and doesn't have TortoiseSVN installed. (By the
way I prefer SmartSVN, because it's the same on Win/Linux/Mac.)

> * TortoiseSVN also provides a ssh client, reducing the required app count to 2
> (csdiff and kdiff3 both require separate installs)

csdiff and kdiff3 are just single executables, no install required.

> * Kdiff3 has a very busy interface, and I think it can confound new users.

It have a filelist and a diff window. Not more complex than any other.
The main difference is that the file list window doesn't disappear by
default when comparing files (which behaviour can be changed).
It's a bit ugly application but easy to use and really powerful, which
is important on more complicated merges, where an enough good solution
doesn't help too much.

> * I tried to use csdiff but I couldn't figure out how to make it do a three
> way merge or the "change selection" feature that qct needs.  TortoiseMerge
> can perform both tasks, if a bit clumsily.

It's just a file diff, not suitable for merges.

> I have to admit I haven't used TortoiseMerge for very long myself, what do you
> think is deficient about it?

I have used it for 1-2 days 4 months ago, so I can't mention any
concrete problems with it, but I remember that my expectations were
high (it's part of a widely used package), but it was pain to use.

I can recommend Winmerge too, if you would like a more Windows user
friendly one.

I always prefer multi platform applications if it is possible.

teki