Diff

2 definitions found

From Jargon File (4.3.1, 29 Jun 2001) [jargon]:

  diff /dif/ n. 1. A change listing, especially giving differences
     between (and additions to) source code or documents (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(1)' command, esp. when used as specification input to the
     `patch(1)' utility (which can actually perform the modifications; see


     {patch}). This is a common method of distributing patches and source
     updates in the Unix/C world. 3. v. To compare (whether or not by use of
     automated tools on machine-readable files); see also {vdiff}, {mod}.
  
  

From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03) [foldoc]:

  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)