xDelta

xDelta is a delta compression tool that allows for efficient patching of binary files. It calculates the differences between two versions of a file and creates a small patch file. This patch file can then be applied to the older version of the file to reconstruct the newer version. This is particularly useful for software updates, game patches, and other situations where large files need to be distributed efficiently.

The core functionality of xDelta involves a diffing algorithm that identifies changed portions of data. This algorithm is designed to be fast and effective, minimizing the size of the generated patch. The patching process is the reverse, where the original file and the patch file are combined to produce the modified file. xDelta is a command-line utility, making it suitable for integration into automated build systems and scripting.

Unlike some other patching methods, xDelta operates on raw binary data, meaning it is not specific to any particular file format. This makes it versatile for patching various types of files, including executables, libraries, and data files. The tool is often used in scenarios where distributing a full new version of a file would be time-consuming or costly due to bandwidth limitations. Its efficiency lies in transmitting only the changes rather than the entire updated file.