| What is file sharing? In computing there is a | | | | It was called Project Xanadu and this is the |
| software which performs the function of file | | | | conceptual predecessor of diff. It was |
| comparing. It outputs the differences between | | | | conceived in 1960 as hypertext project first. |
| two files. The program displays the changes | | | | It was supposed to include a version tracking |
| made per line for text files. The 'diff' is a | | | | system necessary for its 'transpointing |
| file comparison utility that performs this | | | | windows' feature. The feature subsumed file |
| function. Modern implementations also support | | | | differences in the expansive term |
| binary files. The output is called a diff or | | | | 'transclusion', where a document has included |
| more commonly a patch since the output can be | | | | in it parts of other documents or revisions. |
| applied with the program patch. Just like the | | | | 'Diff' and its cousins. Diff is based on an |
| word 'grep' is used for the act of searching, | | | | algorithm. It is based on solving the Longest |
| the word diff is used in jargon as a verb for | | | | Common Subsequence [LCS] problem. It works on |
| calculating any difference. The 'diff' | | | | the principle of invoking the command line |
| utility was developed in the early 1970's on | | | | with the names of two files: diff original |
| the UNIX operating system in the AT&T labs in | | | | new. The changes form the output of the |
| the USA. Understanding 'diff'. In the context | | | | command required to turn the original file |
| of the UNIX operating system the use of the | | | | into the new file. If the original and new |
| 'ed' line editor provided diff with the | | | | are directories, the diff will run on each of |
| natural ability to create machine usable | | | | the files. The diff will cover both files. An |
| 'edit scripts.' These edit scripts when saved | | | | option called -r will compare files between |
| to a file, can with the original file be | | | | directories. There are several variations of |
| reconstituted by 'ed' into the modified file | | | | diff. The core algorithm remains the same but |
| in its entirety. This greatly reduces the | | | | there are modifications to the core |
| secondary storage required to maintain | | | | algorithm. This has resulted in addition of |
| multiple versions of a file. When diff was | | | | useful features to the command, and the |
| launched initially the most common uses were | | | | design of new output formats. Other |
| comparing changes in the source of software | | | | variations such as sdiff and diffmk render |
| code and mark up for technical documents, | | | | side by side diff listings. File sharing |
| verifying program debugging output, comparing | | | | software is steadily increasing in its usage |
| file system listings and analyzing computer | | | | over the years. The software industry sees a |
| assembly code. The output set for 'ed' was | | | | big revenue generation opportunity in file |
| with the objective of providing compression | | | | sharing programs and is investing a lot more |
| for a sequence of modifications. Storing edit | | | | in this product category. |
| scripts with diff led to the invention of the | | | | |
| Source Code Control System. Before diff was | | | | If you are interested in free file compare, |
| created a lot of resources were poured into | | | | check this web-site to learn more about |
| the research for this. This was in terms of | | | | document comparison. |
| intellectual capital, manpower and systems. | | | | |