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cwdiff

github.com

Free plan Linux
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Spec score 7.6 #19 of 33 in File Comparison Software

What it is

cwdiff is a free Linux command-line wrapper for wdiff. It adds directory comparison support and colorizes differences in the output. The README describes configuring it as a Mercurial extdiff command, then running comparisons with hg wdiff. Users can disable colors by adding --no-color to the wdiff options. The project is presented as a shell-language repository. Listed acquisition options include a tarball, MacPorts, Arch Linux AUR, NetBSD, and Gentoo packages. A NetBSD package page provides a NetBSD 10.0 binary for cwdiff 0.4.0 and lists no runtime dependencies. Documentation is hosted on junghans.github.io, and bug reports go to GitHub Issues. The associated maintainer account identifies Christoph Junghans, whose profile lists Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA. The NetBSD package page lists GNU GPL version 2. The plan is free.

Spec sheet

Purpose
cwdiff is a wrapper for wdiff that supports directories and colorizes output.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support
The repository directs users to GitHub Issues to report bugs.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The NetBSD package page lists the license as GNU GPL version 2.Read 4 Oct 2026 · ftp7.jp.netbsd.org
Color option
The README says to add --no-color to the wdiff options to disable colors.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Documentation
The README links to project documentation hosted on junghans.github.io.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Downloads
The README lists a tarball, MacPorts, Arch Linux AUR, NetBSD, and Gentoo packages.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Maintainer
The GitHub account associated with the repository identifies its owner as Christoph Junghans.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Maintainer location
The maintainer profile lists Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Mercurial setup
The README describes configuring cwdiff as a Mercurial extdiff command and running it with hg wdiff.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Operating system package
The NetBSD package page provides a NetBSD 10.0 binary package for cwdiff 0.4.0.Read 4 Oct 2026 · ftp7.jp.netbsd.org
Project type
GitHub describes the project as a shell-language repository.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Runtime dependencies
The NetBSD package page lists no runtime dependencies.Read 4 Oct 2026 · ftp7.jp.netbsd.org

Plans and prices

cwdiff Free No paid plans or usage limits stated Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

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Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Compares directories through wdiff
  • Colorizes differences
  • Mercurial extdiff setup documented
  • Multiple package and tarball options
  • No runtime dependencies listed

Limits

  • Linux command-line focus
  • Color must be disabled manually
  • No graphical interface listed

Who it suits

cwdiff suits Linux command-line users who compare files or directories and Mercurial users wanting an extdiff command. It also fits users seeking packaged or source-based installation options.

Verdict

cwdiff is a focused free wrapper that extends wdiff to directories and colored output. Its documentation covers Mercurial integration and several installation routes, while support is handled through GitHub Issues.

Where Specifiction places it

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