difftool

Difftool is a command-line utility used primarily in software development to compare and display differences between files. It is often used in version control systems to help developers understand changes made to files over time. The tool is designed to provide a visual representation of the differences, making it easier to identify and review changes.

Difftool can compare various types of files, including text files, source code, and configuration files. It typically highlights the differences between two versions of a file, showing which lines have been added, removed, or modified. This can be particularly useful in collaborative environments where multiple developers are working on the same project.

The utility is often integrated with version control systems like Git, Mercurial, and Subversion. In Git, for example, the difftool command can be configured to use an external diff tool of the user's choice. This allows developers to leverage more advanced diff tools that offer features like side-by-side comparison, syntax highlighting, and more.

Difftool can be highly customized to suit individual preferences. Users can configure it to ignore certain types of changes, such as whitespace differences, or to focus on specific parts of a file. This customization makes it a versatile tool for different types of projects and workflows.

In summary, difftool is an essential utility for software developers, providing a clear and concise way to compare file changes. Its integration with version control systems and customizable features make it a valuable tool in the software development process.