1. A computer-based text comparison system for comparing selections of text comprising: a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing instructions to direct the processor to perform operations comprising: receiving a first selection of text from within a first file for comparison and placing the first selection of text into a first buffer, receiving a second selection of text from within a second file different than the first file for comparison and placing the second selection of text into a second buffer, receiving a third selection of text from within one of the first file, the second file, or a third file different than the first or second files for comparison and placing the third selection of text into a third buffer; generating data used to display a representation of the first buffer, a representation of the second buffer, and a representation of the third buffer; receiving an input that indicates selection of two of the three displayed representations; comparing the content of the text placed in the buffers associated with the two selected representations; and displaying a comparison output including differences between the content of the text placed in the buffers associated with the two selected representations.