Hash-based file comparison

A computer-implemented method for performing a hash-based comparison of a first file and a second file, the computer-implemented method comprising performing computer-implemented operations for:

• obtaining the first file and the second file;
• generating a first hash list having hash values corresponding to functional blocks of the first file by determining a file type associated with the first file, determining if a rule set corresponding to the determined file type is available, retrieving the rule set corresponding to the determined file type in response to determining that the rule set is available, and retrieving a default rule set response to determining that the rule set is not available;
• generating a second hash list having hash values corresponding to corresponding functional blocks of the second file;
• comparing, at a comparison tool, a first hash value in the first hash list to a corresponding hash value in the second hash list;
• and
• determining, based upon the comparing, if one of the functional blocks of the first file matches a corresponding one of the functional blocks of the second file.

A computer storage medium having computer readable instructions stored thereupon that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to:

• obtain a first file and a second file at a comparison tool;
• determine, at the comparison tool, a file type associated with at least one of the first file or the second file;
• retrieve a rule set corresponding to the determined file type;
• generate, based at least partially upon the rule set, at least one of a first hash list or a second hash list, the first hash list having hash values corresponding to functional blocks of the first file and the second hash list having hash values corresponding to corresponding functional blocks of the second file;
• compare, at a comparison tool, a first hash value in the first hash list to a corresponding hash value in the second hash list to determine if the first hash value matches the corresponding hash value;
• in response to determining that the first hash value matches the corresponding hash value, determine that one of the functional blocks of the first file matches a corresponding one of the functional blocks of the second file;
• and
• in response to determining that the first hash value does not match the corresponding hash value, determine that the one of the functional blocks of the first file does not match the corresponding one of the functional blocks of the second file.