/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
