Introduction to diff-pdf (with examples)
1: Comparing PDFs and Indicating Changes
Code:
diff-pdf path/to/a.pdf path/to/b.pdf
Motivation:
When working with PDF documents, it is often essential to compare two versions and determine if any changes have occurred between them. The diff-pdf command provides a simple and efficient way to compare two PDF files and indicate whether they differ or not.
Explanation:
The diff-pdf command compares two PDF files (path/to/a.pdf and path/to/b.pdf) and provides a return code. If the return code is 0, it means that no differences were found between the PDFs. If the return code is 1, it indicates that the PDFs differ.
Example Output:
The PDFs differ. Return code: 1.
2: Comparing PDFs and Generating a PDF with Highlighted Differences
Code:
diff-pdf --output-diff=path/to/diff.pdf path/to/a.pdf path/to/b.pdf
Motivation:
In some cases, it is beneficial to have a visual representation of the differences between two PDF files. The diff-pdf command allows generating a new PDF (diff.pdf) with visually highlighted differences, making it easier to understand the changes made between the original PDFs.
Explanation:
By using the --output-diff option followed by the path (path/to/diff.pdf), the diff-pdf command compares the two PDF files (path/to/a.pdf and path/to/b.pdf) and generates a new PDF (diff.pdf) that highlights the differences between them.
Example Output:
A new PDF file (diff.pdf) will be created in the specified location (path/to/diff.pdf) with all the differences between a.pdf and b.pdf visually highlighted.
3: Comparing PDFs and Viewing Differences in a Simple GUI
Code:
diff-pdf --view path/to/a.pdf path/to/b.pdf
Motivation:
Sometimes, it is more convenient to view the differences between two PDF files using a graphical user interface (GUI) rather than examining the files manually. The diff-pdf command provides a simple GUI to visualize the changes between the two PDFs.
Explanation:
Using the --view option, the diff-pdf command compares the two PDF files (path/to/a.pdf and path/to/b.pdf) and displays the differences in a simple GUI window. This allows users to easily navigate through the changes and evaluate the modifications made between the PDFs.
Example Output:
A GUI window will open, displaying the two PDF files (a.pdf and b.pdf) side by side, with the differences appropriately marked for easy identification. The user can interact with the GUI to zoom in/out, scroll, and explore the changes in detail.
By mastering the diff-pdf command, users can efficiently compare and analyze PDF files, identifying even the smallest modifications or differences. This versatile tool provides options to indicate changes using return codes, generate PDFs with highlighted differences, or view the differences in a simple GUI.
