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From Jargon File (4.3.1, 29 Jun 2001) [jargon]:
diff /dif/ n.
1. A change listing, especially giving differences between (and additions to) source code or documents (the term is often used in the plural 'diffs'). "Send me your diffs for the Jargon File!" Compare {vdiff}. 2. Specifically, such a listing produced by the 'diff(1)' command, esp. when used as specification input to the 'patch(1)' utility (which can actually perform the modifications; see {patch}). This is a common method of distributing patches and source updates in the Unix/C world. 3. v. To compare (whether or not by use of automated tools on machine-readable files); see also {vdiff}, {mod}.
From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03) [foldoc]:
diff /dif/
1. A change listing, especially giving differences between (and additions to) different versions of a piece of source code or documentation (the term is often used in the plural "diffs"). "Send me your diffs for the Jargon File!" Compare {vdiff}. 2. Specifically, such a listing produced by the diff {Unix} command, especially when used as input to the {patch} utility (which actually performs the modifications). This is a common method of distributing patches and source updates. 3. To compare (whether or not by use of automated tools on machine-readable files). See also {vdiff}, {mod}. [{Jargon File}] (1995-02-10)
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