What’s the diff?

One of the required tools in a programmer’s toolbox is a tool for comparing files. File comparison utilities have come a long way since the original Unix diff command, but this genre of utilities is still referred to as diff tools. For Windows, I use an open source diff utility called WinMerge. WinMerge includes a shell extension that makes it easy to use from within Windows Explorer.

The thing about diff tools is that they can be re-purposed and used for many tasks that have nothing to do with programming. For example, I use WinMerge to easily and quickly compare AutoCAD EULAs and other legal document revisions. I also use WinMerge to preview all changes before applying an upgrade to software like WordPress or Joomla on my web server. In both cases, I can quickly see exactly what changed.

The power of a diff tool is impressive in its own right, but it’s true power borders on amazing when using it as a merge tool to reconcile multiple simultaneous changes to the same files. In programming, reconciling and merging simultaneous revisions allows multiple programmers to work in parallel, thereby reducing management overhead and eliminating the inherent inefficiency of a serial workflow. I think that the principles and even the tools could just as well be applied to any collaborative project such as designing an airplane or building a skyscraper.

Most modern diff tools provide an easy to use GUI, and they do a lot more than just compare files. Even if you’re not a programmer, you should have a diff tool in your toolbox.

2 thoughts on “What’s the diff?”

  1. Excellent article. Winmerge is a great tool that I have used for comparing text files as well as directories. I wish we had a similar tool for comparing AutoCAD drawing files.

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