REVIEW - Comparing and Merging Files with Gnu Diff and Patch


Title:

Comparing and Merging Files with Gnu Diff and Patch

Author:

David MacKenzie, Paul Eggert, Richard Stallman

ISBN:

Publisher:

Network Theory. (2002)

Pages:

113pp

Reviewer:

Mathew Davies

Reviewed:

October 2004

Rating:

★★☆☆☆


This is a bound version of the manual that forms part of the GNU diff and patch package. The diff and patch tools provide you with a means of not only spotting differences between files but also distributing (source code) patches for your software. I have used diff a fair bit over the years and can vouch for it being a really useful tool.

Ten years ago, I might have considered buying this book; after all, it used to be time-consuming to load the manual pages into your favourite word processor and relatively expensive to run them off on your dot matrix printer, let alone binding the resulting document afterwards. Nowadays, I would not buy this book, given that I can download the manual in a selection of formats, including HTML, directly from the GNU web site. In fact, I have to admit to being rather baffled by the purpose of this book.

The back cover suggests that the publisher is donating $1 to GNU for each copy sold. Unless you particularly want a soft back, bound copy of the diff and patch manual, my advice would be the following: download the manual from the GNU web site, where you can be assured that it is completely up to date; then make a donation directly to GNU.


Book cover image courtesy of Open Library.





Your Privacy

By clicking "Accept Non-Essential Cookies" you agree ACCU can store non-essential cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Current Setting: Non-Essential Cookies REJECTED


By clicking "Include Third Party Content" you agree ACCU can forward your IP address to third-party sites (such as YouTube) to enhance the information presented on this site, and that third-party sites may store cookies on your device.

Current Setting: Third Party Content EXCLUDED



Settings can be changed at any time from the Cookie Policy page.