Is there a way to use NetBeans DIFF tool as an external diff editor for TortiseSVN, or other editor?

Question

... or perhaps a way to launch NetBeans through a middle-man app and open up a BASE and LOCAL file in the DIFF editor ...

Answer 1

If it is the style of the netbeans diff tool that you like, have a look at the free Perforce Merge Tool.

_{(source: perforce.com)}

In TortoiseSVN settings set the external diff viewer to:

C:\Program Files\Perforce\P4Merge.exe -dw %base %mine