How to use the command 'pkgctl diff' (with examples)

This article provides examples and explanations for using the pkgctl diff command to compare package files using different modes.

The pkgctl diff command is a tool that allows users to compare package files in various ways. It can be used to compare files in tar content, diffoscope, .PKGINFO, and .BUILDINFO modes.

Use case 1: Compare package files in tar content [l]ist different mode (default)

Code:

pkgctl diff --list path/to/file|pkgname

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to compare package files in a tar content list mode. This mode is the default mode for pkgctl diff.

Explanation: The --list argument is used to specify the tar content [l]ist mode. It compares the package files by listing the differences.

Example output:

File 1: path/to/file1
File 2: path/to/file2
File 3: path/to/file3

Use case 2: Compare package files in [d]iffoscope different mode

Code:

pkgctl diff --diffoscope path/to/file|pkgname

Motivation: This use case is beneficial when you want to compare package files using the diffoscope mode. Diffoscope is a tool for in-depth comparison of files, archives, directories, and more.

Explanation: The --diffoscope argument is used to specify the diffoscope mode. This mode provides a detailed comparison of package files.

Example output:

File 1: path/to/file1
...
Comparison details for File 1:
- Line 10: Difference in content
- Line 15: Difference in file size
...

File 2: path/to/file2
...
Comparison details for File 2:
- Line 5: Difference in content
- Line 8: Difference in file size
...

Use case 3: Compare package files in .PKGINFO different mode

Code:

pkgctl diff --pkginfo path/to/file|pkgname

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to compare package files using the .PKGINFO mode. The .PKGINFO file contains metadata about the package, such as its name, version, and dependencies.

Explanation: The --pkginfo argument is used to specify the .PKGINFO mode. This mode compares the .PKGINFO files of the specified packages.

Example output:

File 1: path/to/file1/.PKGINFO
File 2: path/to/file2/.PKGINFO
File 3: path/to/file3/.PKGINFO

Use case 4: Compare package files in .BUILDINFO different mode

Code:

pkgctl diff --buildinfo path/to/file|pkgname

Motivation: This use case is beneficial when you want to compare package files using the .BUILDINFO mode. The .BUILDINFO file contains information about the build process of the package, including the build environment and build options.

Explanation: The --buildinfo argument is used to specify the .BUILDINFO mode. This mode compares the .BUILDINFO files of the specified packages.

Example output:

File 1: path/to/file1/.BUILDINFO
File 2: path/to/file2/.BUILDINFO
File 3: path/to/file3/.BUILDINFO

Conclusion:

The pkgctl diff command is a versatile tool for comparing package files in different modes. Whether you need to compare files in a tar content list, use the powerful diffoscope tool, or analyze the metadata and build information of a package, pkgctl diff has you covered. Use the provided examples and explanations to make the most of this command and ensure the integrity and consistency of your package files.