How to Identify and Remove Duplicate Lines in UltraEdit

When working with large text files, it's not uncommon to encounter duplicate lines that can take up valuable space and make it difficult to find specific information. In this article, we'll explore how to identify and remove duplicate lines using the powerful text editor, UltraEdit.

Identifying Duplicate Lines

To identify duplicate lines in UltraEdit, you need to follow a few simple steps. First, open your file and select 'Edit' > 'Find' to bring up the find dialog box. Enter the line you want to search for and click 'Find All.' This will highlight all instances of that line in the document.

Next, check if any of these lines are identical by comparing them to each other. If a line is found to be a duplicate, select it and copy it to your clipboard using 'Edit' > 'Copy.'

Removing Duplicate Lines

Once you've identified the duplicate lines, you can remove them from your file. To do this, open your output window (View > Output Window) and prepare it for the find results.

Create an empty array with a size equal to the total number of lines in your document using the following code: `Var abLineOutput = new Array(nTotalLines)`.

Then, loop through each line in your file, searching for any duplicate lines. If a duplicate is found, copy it to your clipboard and store it in the array.

After processing all lines, refresh your document window area to reflect the changes. Finally, you can remove any remaining duplicates by comparing the contents of the array with the original file.

Tips and Tricks

When working with large files, it's essential to optimize your workflow to avoid unnecessary delays. One way to do this is by running your finds in a previously active file that's already displayed maximized, reducing the need for document window refreshes.

Another tip is to create a new file and make it the active file after each successful find. This can help reduce the time taken to refresh your document window area.

In conclusion, identifying and removing duplicate lines in UltraEdit is a straightforward process that requires some careful planning and execution. By following these steps, you can quickly and efficiently remove any unwanted duplicates from your files, freeing up valuable space and improving their overall readability.

Ultraedit 16.30