Skip to main content
ubuntuask.com

Back to all posts

How to Compare Two Files In Linux?

Published on
5 min read
How to Compare Two Files In Linux? image

Best File Comparison Tools in Linux to Buy in September 2026

1 REXBETI 25Pcs Metal File Set, Tool Sharpening, Woodworking, Finishing File

REXBETI 25Pcs Metal File Set, Tool Sharpening, Woodworking, Finishing File

  • DURABLE T12 ALLOY STEEL FOR LONG-LASTING CUTTING PERFORMANCE.
  • COMPLETE 25-PIECE SET INCLUDES FILES, GLOVES, BRUSH & SANDPAPER.
  • RUGGED CARRY CASE ENSURES EASY STORAGE AND PORTABILITY.
BUY & SAVE
$25.99 $28.99
Save 10%
REXBETI 25Pcs Metal File Set, Tool Sharpening, Woodworking, Finishing File
2 5 pcs Metal Needle File Set,Premium Small File Set, Hardened Alloy Strength Steel File Tools Includes Round, Half-Round, Flat, Square, Triangular File for Detail and Precise Work,by XEKIGU

5 pcs Metal Needle File Set,Premium Small File Set, Hardened Alloy Strength Steel File Tools Includes Round, Half-Round, Flat, Square, Triangular File for Detail and Precise Work,by XEKIGU

  • HIGH-DURABILITY ALLOY STEEL: ENSURES LONG-LASTING PERFORMANCE AND SHARPNESS.

  • VERSATILE 5-MODEL SET: IDEAL FOR DETAILED WORK ON VARIOUS MATERIALS AND PROJECTS.

  • ERGONOMIC NON-SLIP HANDLES: ENHANCES COMFORT AND EFFICIENCY DURING USE.

BUY & SAVE
$3.79
5 pcs Metal Needle File Set,Premium Small File Set, Hardened Alloy Strength Steel File Tools Includes Round, Half-Round, Flat, Square, Triangular File for Detail and Precise Work,by XEKIGU
3 Hi-Spec Metal Hand & Needle File Tool Kit Half-Round Round & Triangle Files

Hi-Spec Metal Hand & Needle File Tool Kit Half-Round Round & Triangle Files

  • PRECISION TOOLS FOR SMOOTHING ANY MATERIAL EFFORTLESSLY!
  • DURABLE CARBON STEEL FOR LONG-LASTING PERFORMANCE!
  • COMPACT ZIPPER CASE: ORGANIZED STORAGE ON THE GO!
BUY & SAVE
$24.99
Hi-Spec Metal Hand & Needle File Tool Kit Half-Round Round & Triangle Files
4 ValueMax 7PCS Interchangeable Needle File Set, Small File Set

ValueMax 7PCS Interchangeable Needle File Set, Small File Set

  • VERSATILE SET: TACKLE ANY PROJECT WITH SIX ESSENTIAL FILE TYPES!

  • COMPACT STORAGE: LIGHTWEIGHT CASE ENSURES EASY PORTABILITY AND ORGANIZATION.

  • ERGONOMIC GRIP: COMFORT-DESIGNED HANDLES ENHANCE EFFICIENCY DURING USE.

BUY & SAVE
$8.99 $11.99
Save 25%
ValueMax 7PCS Interchangeable Needle File Set, Small File Set
5 TARIST 17PCS File Set with Tool Bag, Includes 4PCS Large Metal File, 12PCS Needle File and Wire Brush,Work for Metal, Wood and More

TARIST 17PCS File Set with Tool Bag, Includes 4PCS Large Metal File, 12PCS Needle File and Wire Brush,Work for Metal, Wood and More

  • DURABLE T12 CARBON STEEL ENSURES LONG-LASTING FILING PERFORMANCE.
  • VERSATILE USE ON METAL, WOOD, GLASS, PLASTICS, AND CERAMICS.
  • RESPONSIVE AFTER-SALES SUPPORT GUARANTEES CUSTOMER SATISFACTION.
BUY & SAVE
$23.99 $29.80
Save 19%
TARIST 17PCS File Set with Tool Bag, Includes 4PCS Large Metal File, 12PCS Needle File and Wire Brush,Work for Metal, Wood and More
6 CAFFORIK 27PCS Metal File Set, Flat/Half-round/Round/Triangle Steel Files,12PCS Needle Files,10PCS Sandpapers, Wire Brush. Work for Metal, Wood and More

CAFFORIK 27PCS Metal File Set, Flat/Half-round/Round/Triangle Steel Files,12PCS Needle Files,10PCS Sandpapers, Wire Brush. Work for Metal, Wood and More

  • COMPLETE 27PCS KIT: ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR METAL AND WOODWORKING PROJECTS.

  • DURABLE T12 STEEL: HIGH-QUALITY, WEAR-RESISTANT FILES FOR LASTING PERFORMANCE.

  • ERGONOMIC & PORTABLE: COMFORTABLE HANDLES AND ORGANIZED STORAGE FOR EFFICIENCY.

BUY & SAVE
$25.95
CAFFORIK 27PCS Metal File Set, Flat/Half-round/Round/Triangle Steel Files,12PCS Needle Files,10PCS Sandpapers, Wire Brush. Work for Metal, Wood and More
7 Tsubosan Hand tool Workmanship file set of 5 ST-06 from Japan

Tsubosan Hand tool Workmanship file set of 5 ST-06 from Japan

  • PRECISION CRAFTING FOR SMOOTH FINISHES ON VARIOUS MATERIALS.
  • ERGONOMIC DESIGN ENSURES COMFORT DURING PROLONGED USE.
  • DURABLE CONSTRUCTION GUARANTEES LONG-LASTING PERFORMANCE.
BUY & SAVE
$31.98
Tsubosan Hand tool Workmanship file set of 5 ST-06 from Japan
8 REXBETI 19Pcs Metal File Set - Jewelry Making & Precision Metalwork File

REXBETI 19Pcs Metal File Set - Jewelry Making & Precision Metalwork File

  • DURABLE TEETH ENSURE LONG-LASTING CUTTING AND FILING PERFORMANCE.

  • COMPREHENSIVE 12-PIECE SET FOR DIVERSE WOODWORKING TASKS INCLUDED.

  • PORTABLE CARRY CASE KEEPS TOOLS ORGANIZED AND SECURE ON THE GO.

BUY & SAVE
$16.99 $19.88
Save 15%
REXBETI 19Pcs Metal File Set - Jewelry Making & Precision Metalwork File
+
ONE MORE?

To compare two files in Linux, you can use the 'diff' command. Here's how you can do it:

  1. Open the terminal on your Linux system.
  2. Type the following command: diff file1 file2 - Replace 'file1' and 'file2' with the actual names of the files you want to compare.
  3. Press Enter to execute the command.

Once you run the command, 'diff' will compare the two files and display the differences between them. The differences are displayed in terms of added or deleted lines. Lines with changes will be printed with '<' or '>', indicating the respective file each line belongs to.

For example, let's assume you have two files named 'file1.txt' and 'file2.txt'. To compare them, you would run the command diff file1.txt file2.txt. 'diff' will then analyze the files and show the differences between them in the terminal.

It's important to note that 'diff' is a powerful command with several options to customize the output. You can use options like '-c' or '-u' to display the differences in more comprehensive formats, or '-q' for a brief output indicating if the files differ or not.

What is the use of the sdiff command and how to compare two files using it?

The "sdiff" command is used to compare and merge two files side by side. It displays the content of both files on the terminal, highlighting the differences between them.

The syntax of the sdiff command is as follows: sdiff [options] file1 file2

Here are some commonly used options:

  • -s or --suppress-common-lines: Hides the common lines between the two files.
  • -w or --width=num: Sets the width of the output line to 'num' characters.
  • -o file or --output=file: Specifies an output file to save the comparison.

To compare two files using sdiff, open your terminal and type: sdiff file1.txt file2.txt

This will display the content of both files side by side, highlighting the differences. Common lines will not be shown by default. You can use the options mentioned above to customize the output according to your requirements.

What is the use of the cmp command with the -l option for detailed comparison in Linux?

The "cmp" command in Linux is used to compare two files byte-by-byte and determine if there are any differences. By default, it only displays the first differing bytes and their respective byte positions.

However, when used with the "-l" option, the "cmp" command provides a detailed comparison. It displays a list of all differing bytes in both files, along with their byte positions. This option is useful when you need a comprehensive report of all differences between two files, allowing you to analyze and understand the discrepancies more thoroughly.

How to compare two files and display only differences in Linux?

To compare two files and display only the differences in Linux, you can use the diff command. Here's how you can do it:

  1. Open the Terminal in Linux.
  2. Use the following command structure:

diff [options]

Replace <file1> and <file2> with the names or paths of the files you want to compare.

  1. Run the command to see the differences between the two files. By default, the output will display the lines that differ between the two files.

For example, if you want to compare the files "file1.txt" and "file2.txt" located in the current directory, the command would be:

diff file1.txt file2.txt

The output will highlight the differences between the two files, showing added or deleted lines and changes within lines.

You can also use various options with diff command to modify the output behavior. Some commonly used options include:

  • -i or --ignore-case: Ignore case differences while comparing files.
  • -w or --ignore-all-space: Ignore all white space differences.
  • -b or --ignore-space-change: Ignore changes in the amount of white space.
  • -q or --brief: Only show whether files differ, rather than the actual differences.

To learn more about the available options, you can refer to the diff command's manual pages by running:

man diff

What is the output format of the diff command in Linux?

The output format of the diff command in Linux can vary depending on several factors, such as the options or flags used and the number and nature of the differences being compared. However, the most common output format consists of a series of lines preceded by symbols indicating the type of change. The common symbols used in the output are:

  • "-" symbol indicates a line or lines present only in the first file being compared.
  • "+" symbol indicates a line or lines present only in the second file being compared.
  • "!" symbol indicates a line or lines that have been changed between the two files.
  • "=" symbol indicates a line that is common between the two files being compared.

The output may also include additional information, such as line numbers and file names, depending on the options used.