diff
/dif/ 1. A change listing, especially giving differences between (and additions
to) different versions of a piece of source code or documentation (the term is
often used in the plural "diffs"). "Send me your diffs for the Jargon File!"
Compare vdiff.
2. Specifically, such a listing produced by the diff Unix command, especially
when used as input to the patch utility (which actually performs the
modifications). This is a common method of distributing patches and source
updates.
3. To compare (whether or not by use of automated tools on machine-readable
files).
See also vdiff, mod.
[Jargon File]
(1995-02-10)
Nearby terms:
Didot point « die « die horribly « diff »
Difference Engine » difference equation »
differential backup
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