in reply to compare:file records

Use a hash.

And please format your sample files so others can easily read them. There's more than one way to do it, but personally I would just paste my files between code tags and then make sure the line breaks are where they belong.

Here's an example of what I mean:

file1.txt --------- barra_id,cusip,tickers CAN1234,00234q,ABH.C CAN3245,0129ab,BCHD
etc.

Then use the preview button and think about how the display will look to others. Help others see what your data looks like, and somebody may feel like offering more detailed advice.