Code Diff Algorithm

A Code Diff Algorithm is a comparison algorithm that identifies differences between source code versions to support patch generation and code merge operations.

• AKA: Difference Algorithm, File Comparison Algorithm, Text Diff Algorithm, Delta Algorithm.
• Context:
  • It can typically compute Longest Common Subsequences between text lines.
  • It can typically identify Additions, Deletions, and Modifications in code structure.
  • It can typically minimize Edit Distance to find optimal change sequences.
  • It can often handle Moved Blocks and Renamed Variables through semantic analysis.
  • It can often optimize for Human Readability in diff output.
  • It can often support Three-Way Comparison for merge operations.
  • It can process Large Files through streaming algorithms.
  • It can range from being a Line-Based Diff Algorithm to being a Character-Based Diff Algorithm, depending on its granularity level.
  • It can range from being a Exact Diff Algorithm to being a Fuzzy Diff Algorithm, depending on its matching strategy.
  • It can range from being a Text Diff Algorithm to being a Binary Diff Algorithm, depending on its data type support.
  • It can range from being a Sequential Diff Algorithm to being a Parallel Diff Algorithm, depending on its processing mode.
  • ...
• Examples:
  • Classic Diff Algorithms, such as:
    • Myers Diff Algorithm for git diff implementation.
    • Hunt-McIlroy Algorithm for unix diff implementation.
    • Patience Diff Algorithm for improved readability.
  • Semantic Diff Algorithms, such as:
    • Tree Diff Algorithm for AST comparison.
    • Structural Diff Algorithm for code structure analysis.
  • Binary Diff Algorithms, such as:
    • BSDiff Algorithm for binary patch generation.
    • XDelta Algorithm for delta encoding.
  • ...
• Counter-Examples:
  • Search Algorithm, which finds pattern matches rather than computing differences.
  • Compression Algorithm, which reduces file size rather than identifying changes.
  • Encryption Algorithm, which obscures data content rather than comparing versions.
• See: Patch Generation Tool, Apply Patch Tool, Software Patch, Diff Command, Version Control System, Merge Algorithm, Text Processing Algorithm, Longest Common Subsequence Algorithm, Edit Distance Algorithm.

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