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How to Compare Files Line by Line in Linux | diff
Command
Last Updated : 12 Jul, 2024
In the world of Linux, managing and comparing files is a common task for
system administrators and developers alike. The ability to compare files line by
line is crucial for identifying differences, debugging code, and ensuring the
integrity of data. One powerful tool that facilitates this process is the aift
command. In this article, we will explore how to use the diff command to
compare files line by line in Linux.
Table of Content
* Basic Syntax of diff Command
* Options Available in diff Command
* Pratical Implementaion of How to compare files line by line in Linux? :
© Comparing Two Files
* Deleting a Line in Files using diff Command
* Viewing Differences in Context Mode
* Viewing Differences in Unified Mode
* Case-Insensitive Comparing between Files
* Displaying diff Version
Understanding the diff Command
diff stands for difference .The aiff command is a versatile utility that is pre-
installed on most Linux distributions. Its primary purpose is to compare the
contents of two files and display the differences between them. The command
provides a comprehensive way to highlight changes, additions, and deletions in
a clear and readable format.
This command is used to display the differences in the files by comparing the
hntps:www.geekstorgecks ori commandinux-examples! ane1426, 12:13 PM How to Compare Files Lie by Line in Lnux | if Command - GeekstorGesks
The important thing to remember is that diff uses certain special symbols and
structions that are required to make two files identical. It tells you the
instructions on how to change the first file to make it match the second file.
Basic Syntax of diff Command
The basic syntax of the diff command is as follows
diff [OPTION]... FILE1 FILE2
Here, ‘FILE1” and ‘FILE2* are the two files you want to compare.
The ‘optzon’ flag allows you to customize the behavior of the ‘diff command.
Options Available in diff Command
Option Description
~€ OF --context
Output differences in context mode
-u OF --unified Output differences in unified mode
(more concise)
-i or --ignore-case Perform a case-insensitive comparison
hntps:www-geekstorgecks ori commandinux-examples! ate1426, 12:13 PM How to Compare Files Line by Line in Linux dif Command - GeeksforGeeks
cat a.txt
cat b.txt
Cotes
ieee cs
playing cantent of fes using ea
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diff a.txt
How to Compare Files Line by Line in Linux| dif Command - GeeksforGeeks
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displaying content of files using c
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diff -c filel.txt file2.txt
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displaying content of files using cat command
diff -u filet.txt file2.txt
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bitpswaw.geeksforgeeks.orgidif-commaninux-examples! ane1426, 12:13 PM How to Compare Files Line by Line in Linux| dif Command - GeeksforGeeks
diff --version
Cray
a aCe GS
GPLv3+: GNU GPL version 3 or later mypatch.patch
The generated patch file can be applied later to synchronize another file
with the changes.
What is the unified format in diff output, and how is it different from the
context format?
The unified format ('-u~ option) in ‘éif#* output provides a more concise
and readable representation of differences compared to the context
format (°c option). It displays changes in a more compact form, making
it easier to understand modifications between files.
How do I recursively compare two directories in Linux using the aiff
command?
To recursively compare two directories and their contents, use the ‘-r* or
-recursive* option with the aiff command:
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This command compares all files in the specified directories and provides
syar26, 12:13 PM
detailed information about the differences.
Conclusion
In the Linux world, comparing files is a common task for system administrators
and developers. The ‘aiff command is a handy tool that helps in this process.
This article explores how to use ‘4it# to compare files line by line in Linux. It
covers the basic syntax, important options like context mode and unified mode,
and practical applications such as creating patch files and recursively
comparing directories. Whether you're debugging code or ensuring file
integrity, understanding and mastering the ‘aiff command is essential for
efficient file management in Linux.
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