How to use the command latexdiff (with examples)
LaTeX is a typesetting system commonly used for writing academic papers, technical reports, and other documents with complex formatting requirements. When working with multiple versions of a LaTeX document, it can be challenging to track changes and identify differences between the versions. This is where the command latexdiff comes in handy.
The latexdiff command is a powerful tool that allows you to determine differences between two LaTeX files. It can generate a new LaTeX file highlighting the changes in different ways, such as underlining, boldface, or markup within equations.
Use case 1: Determine changes between different versions of a LaTeX file
Code:
latexdiff old.tex new.tex > diff.tex
Motivation:
When working on a LaTeX document, it is common to make modifications and updates over time. It is important to keep track of these changes, especially when collaborating with other authors or reviewing the document. By using latexdiff, you can easily determine the differences between the old and new versions of the LaTeX file.
Explanation:
old.tex: The path to the old version of the LaTeX file.new.tex: The path to the new version of the LaTeX file.> diff.tex: Redirect the output of latexdiff to a new LaTeX file named “diff.tex”.
Example output:
The resulting “diff.tex” file will contain the differences between the old and new versions of the LaTeX file, with the changes underlined. This allows you to visualize the modifications made to the document.
Use case 2: Determine changes between different versions of a LaTeX file by highlighting differences in boldface
Code:
latexdiff --type=BOLD old.tex new.tex > diff.tex
Motivation:
In some cases, it might be more convenient to highlight the differences between the old and new versions of the LaTeX file using boldface instead of underlining. This can help the changes stand out more prominently.
Explanation:
--type=BOLD: Specifies the type of highlighting to be used. In this case, the differences will be highlighted in boldface.old.tex: The path to the old version of the LaTeX file.new.tex: The path to the new version of the LaTeX file.> diff.tex: Redirect the output of latexdiff to a new LaTeX file named “diff.tex”.
Example output:
The resulting “diff.tex” file will contain the differences between the old and new versions of the LaTeX file, with the changes highlighted in boldface. This makes it easier to identify and review the modifications made.
Use case 3: Determine changes between different versions of a LaTeX file and display minor changes in equations with both added and deleted graphics
Code:
latexdiff --math-markup=fine --graphics-markup=both old.tex new.tex > diff.tex
Motivation:
When working with LaTeX documents containing mathematical equations and graphics, it is important to accurately capture the changes made to them. By using latexdiff with the options --math-markup=fine and --graphics-markup=both, you can display minor changes in equations with both added and deleted graphics.
Explanation:
--math-markup=fine: Specifies the level of markup for mathematical equations. In this case, the fine level is used to display minor changes.--graphics-markup=both: Specifies the level of markup for graphics. In this case, both added and deleted graphics will be displayed.old.tex: The path to the old version of the LaTeX file.new.tex: The path to the new version of the LaTeX file.> diff.tex: Redirect the output of latexdiff to a new LaTeX file named “diff.tex”.
Example output:
The resulting “diff.tex” file will contain the differences between the old and new versions of the LaTeX file, with minor changes in equations and both added and deleted graphics displayed. This provides a comprehensive overview of the modifications made to the document, even in complex mathematical and graphical contexts.
Conclusion:
The latexdiff command is a valuable tool for tracking changes and identifying differences between different versions of a LaTeX file. By using different options, such as specifying the type of highlighting and the level of markup for equations and graphics, you can customize the output to meet your specific needs. Whether you are collaborating with other authors or reviewing your own work, latexdiff can greatly simplify the process of comparing and understanding changes in your LaTeX documents.
