MacOS diff3 command

The MacOS diff3 command is a tool used in the Terminal to compare and merge three files. It shows the differences between the original file and the two modified versions, highlighting conflicts that need to be resolved. By using the diff3 command, you can easily identify discrepancies and make informed decisions when merging files. This command is particularly useful for developers working on collaborative projects or anyone managing multiple versions of the same file.

diff3 Syntax:

diff3 [option] file1 file2 file3

Options:

Option	Description
-e	Produce a merged version of the files
-E	Like -e, but includes conflict markers
-m	Output a merged file with conflict markers
-A	Incorporate all changes from all files
-L label	Use label as the merge marker
-T temp	Use temp as the temporary file name
-t reason	Use reason as the reason for the merge
-X file	Operate on file before attempting the merge
-A style	Use style as the conflict resolution style

Parameters:

Parameter	Description
file1	The first file to compare for differences
file2	The second file to compare for differences
file3	The third file to compare for differences

Caution

Exercise caution when using the diff3 command, as it can directly modify files if the -e, -E, or -m options are used. Make sure to understand the implications of the chosen options before running the command.

diff3 Usage:

Basic Usage

diff3 file1 file2 file3

Compares three files and shows the differences between them.

Merge Changes from Two Different Files

diff3 -m file1 file2 file3

Merges changes from file1 and file2 into file3.

Ignore White Space Changes

diff3 -E file1 file2 file3

Compares three files while ignoring changes in white spaces.

Show Only Conflicts

diff3 -x file1 file2 file3

Display only the conflicting changes between the three files.

Tip

When using the diff3 command in MacOS, remember to carefully review the differences in the files and any conflicts that arise during the merge process. Utilize the various options available to customize the output and resolve conflicts effectively.

How do I use diff3 with the —merge option in MacOS?

To use the diff3 command with the —merge option in MacOS, execute the following command:

diff3 --merge file1 file2 file3

How can I generate a side-by-side diff using diff3 in MacOS?

To generate a side-by-side diff using diff3 in MacOS, run the following command:

diff3 -m file1 file2 file3

How do I ignore whitespace changes when using diff3 in MacOS?

To ignore whitespace changes when using diff3 in MacOS, you can utilize the -w or —ignore-all-space option. Here is an example command:

diff3 -w file1 file2 file3

How can I specify a different output file for the merged result in MacOS with diff3?

To specify a different output file for the merged result in MacOS using diff3, you can use the -o or —output option. Here is an example command:

diff3 -o merged_file file1 file2 file3

How do I show the differences between files without merging using diff3 in MacOS?

To show the differences between files without merging using diff3 in MacOS, you can use the -s or —show-all option. Here is an example command:

diff3 -s file1 file2 file3

How can I highlight the changes in the output when using diff3 in MacOS?

To highlight the changes in the output when using diff3 in MacOS, you can use the -E or —show-overlap option. Here is an example command:

diff3 -E file1 file2 file3

Applications of the diff3 command

• Merging changes from two versions of a file
• Resolving conflicts in code during collaboration
• Comparing differences between three versions of a file