cosq

Cosq is a software tool used for comparing and analyzing the differences between two directory trees. It operates by recursively traversing both directories and identifying files that are present in one but not the other, or files that exist in both but have different content. The tool can report these differences in a human-readable format, often highlighting the specific lines that have changed within text files.

The primary function of cosq is to facilitate version control and data synchronization. Developers and system administrators use it to track changes in code repositories, ensure backups are consistent, or verify that files have been copied or moved correctly. Its output can be processed by other scripts or tools, making it a versatile component in automated workflows.

Cosq is typically executed from the command line, taking the paths to the two directories as arguments. It offers various options to control the comparison process, such as specifying file name patterns to include or exclude, or deciding how to handle symbolic links. The detailed reporting capabilities allow users to quickly understand the extent and nature of discrepancies between the two directory structures.