deep-diff vs diff vs diff-match-patch vs diff2html vs react-diff-view
JavaScript Diff Libraries
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JavaScript Diff Libraries

These libraries are designed to compare and highlight differences between data structures, text, or documents. They serve various purposes, including visualizing changes in code, tracking modifications in data, and facilitating collaborative editing by providing clear insights into what has changed. Each library has its unique features and use cases, making them suitable for different scenarios in web development.

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deep-diff00-08 years agoMIT
diff09,089510 kB192 months agoBSD-3-Clause
diff-match-patch0273-86 years agoApache-2.0
diff2html03,3272.02 MB25a month agoMIT
react-diff-view09911.48 MB118 months agoMIT

Feature Comparison: deep-diff vs diff vs diff-match-patch vs diff2html vs react-diff-view

Comparison Depth

  • deep-diff:

    deep-diff provides deep comparison capabilities, allowing you to detect changes in nested objects and arrays. It can identify added, removed, or modified properties at any level of depth, making it suitable for complex data structures.

  • diff:

    diff offers a simple line-by-line comparison, focusing on text differences without delving into nested structures. It is best for straightforward text comparisons, such as comparing two versions of a document.

  • diff-match-patch:

    diff-match-patch excels in comparing large blocks of text efficiently, using algorithms that minimize the number of operations needed to find differences. It is designed for handling extensive text data while providing accurate results.

  • diff2html:

    diff2html does not perform comparisons itself but formats the output of diff tools into HTML. It transforms the diff output into a visually appealing format, making it easier to read and understand the differences.

  • react-diff-view:

    react-diff-view provides a React component that visualizes diffs, focusing on user-friendly presentation. It is tailored for React applications, allowing developers to easily integrate diff views into their UI.

Use Case Scenarios

  • deep-diff:

    deep-diff is ideal for applications that require tracking changes in application state, such as Redux or MobX, where understanding the evolution of state is crucial for debugging and state management.

  • diff:

    diff is suitable for simple text comparison tasks, such as comparing configuration files or documents where line-by-line differences are sufficient.

  • diff-match-patch:

    diff-match-patch is perfect for collaborative applications like text editors or version control systems, where users need to see changes in real-time and apply patches to documents.

  • diff2html:

    diff2html is best used in scenarios where you need to present diff outputs from version control systems or other diff tools in a web application, enhancing the user experience with clear visual representation.

  • react-diff-view:

    react-diff-view is designed for React applications that need to display differences between text or code snippets, making it ideal for code review tools or collaborative coding platforms.

Performance

  • deep-diff:

    deep-diff is optimized for performance when dealing with deep comparisons, but may become slower with very large and deeply nested structures due to its recursive nature.

  • diff:

    diff is lightweight and performs well for basic text comparisons, making it suitable for quick checks without significant performance overhead.

  • diff-match-patch:

    diff-match-patch is highly efficient for large text comparisons, using advanced algorithms to minimize processing time and memory usage, making it suitable for applications handling substantial text data.

  • diff2html:

    diff2html's performance is contingent on the diff output it processes; it efficiently formats the output but does not perform comparisons itself, so its speed is primarily based on the underlying diff tool used.

  • react-diff-view:

    react-diff-view is optimized for rendering diffs in React applications, ensuring smooth performance even with larger diffs, but may require optimization for extremely large datasets.

Integration

  • deep-diff:

    deep-diff can be easily integrated into any JavaScript application, especially those using state management libraries, to track and visualize changes in application state.

  • diff:

    diff is a standalone library that can be integrated into any JavaScript project for basic text comparison tasks without dependencies.

  • diff-match-patch:

    diff-match-patch can be integrated into various applications, including web and mobile, providing a robust solution for text comparison and patching.

  • diff2html:

    diff2html is designed to work with the output of diff tools, making it easy to integrate into existing workflows where diff outputs need to be presented in a web format.

  • react-diff-view:

    react-diff-view is specifically built for React applications, allowing seamless integration into React components for displaying diffs.

Learning Curve

  • deep-diff:

    deep-diff has a moderate learning curve due to its focus on deep comparisons and the need to understand its output format for effective use.

  • diff:

    diff is straightforward and easy to use, making it accessible for developers with basic JavaScript knowledge.

  • diff-match-patch:

    diff-match-patch may require some understanding of algorithms and text processing concepts, but it is well-documented and relatively easy to grasp for those familiar with JavaScript.

  • diff2html:

    diff2html is simple to use, especially for developers familiar with diff outputs; it requires minimal effort to integrate and display diffs in HTML format.

  • react-diff-view:

    react-diff-view is designed for React developers, making it easy to adopt for those already familiar with React concepts and component-based architecture.

How to Choose: deep-diff vs diff vs diff-match-patch vs diff2html vs react-diff-view

  • deep-diff:

    Choose deep-diff if you need to perform deep comparisons of JavaScript objects and arrays, particularly when you want to track changes in complex nested structures. It provides detailed change information, including additions, deletions, and modifications, making it ideal for state management in applications.

  • diff:

    Select diff for a straightforward line-by-line comparison of text files or strings. It is lightweight and efficient, making it suitable for applications that require basic diff functionalities without additional overhead.

  • diff-match-patch:

    Opt for diff-match-patch if you require a robust solution for comparing and patching text. This library is particularly useful for applications like collaborative text editors where you need to visualize changes and apply patches efficiently, handling large texts with ease.

  • diff2html:

    Use diff2html when you need to convert diff outputs into HTML format for better visualization. It is perfect for displaying diffs in a user-friendly way, making it suitable for web applications that need to present changes in a clear and structured manner.

  • react-diff-view:

    Choose react-diff-view if you are working with React and need to display diffs within your application. This library provides a React component that renders diffs in a visually appealing manner, making it ideal for applications that require inline diff visualization.

Similar Npm Packages to deep-diff

deep-diff is a JavaScript library that provides a way to deeply compare two objects and identify the differences between them. It is particularly useful for applications that need to track changes in complex data structures, such as state management in React applications or data synchronization between different sources. The library can return detailed information about what has changed, including added, deleted, or modified properties, making it a powerful tool for debugging and data manipulation.

While deep-diff is a robust solution for object comparison, there are other libraries in the ecosystem that offer similar functionalities. Here are a few alternatives:

  • deep-object-diff is a library that focuses specifically on the differences between two objects. It provides a simple API to compare objects deeply and returns a structured output that highlights the differences. This library is particularly useful for applications that require a clear and concise representation of changes between objects, making it easier to manage updates and state changes.
  • object-diff is another alternative that provides a straightforward way to compare two objects and retrieve the differences. It is designed to be lightweight and easy to use, making it suitable for projects where simplicity is a priority. object-diff can be a good choice for developers looking for a minimalistic approach to object comparison without the additional features that some other libraries might offer.

To see how deep-diff compares with deep-object-diff and object-diff, check out the comparison: Comparing deep-diff vs deep-object-diff vs object-diff.

Similar Npm Packages to diff

diff is a popular npm package used for comparing two strings or text files and identifying the differences between them. It provides a simple API to generate a diff output, which can be useful in various applications, such as version control systems, text editors, or any scenario where tracking changes is necessary. While diff is a solid choice for basic diffing needs, there are several alternatives available that offer additional features or cater to specific use cases. Here are a few noteworthy alternatives:

  • deep-diff is a library designed for deep comparison of JavaScript objects. Unlike the basic string comparison provided by diff, deep-diff can handle nested structures and complex data types, making it ideal for applications that need to track changes in object states. It provides detailed information about the differences, including added, deleted, and modified properties, which can be particularly useful in state management or data synchronization scenarios.

  • diff-match-patch is a library developed by Google that provides a robust solution for comparing and patching text. It offers advanced algorithms for computing differences, handling large texts efficiently, and generating patches to apply changes. This library is particularly useful for applications that require high-performance diffing and merging capabilities, such as collaborative editing tools or content management systems.

  • diff2html is a library that converts diff outputs into HTML format, making it easy to display differences in a visually appealing way. It works well with the output generated by the diff library and can be a great addition to applications that need to present changes in a user-friendly manner. If you want to visualize diffs in your web application, diff2html is an excellent choice.

  • react-diff-view is a React component that allows you to display differences between two pieces of text in a side-by-side or inline format. It is built on top of the diff library and provides a simple way to integrate diff visualization into React applications. If you are working with React and need to show diffs, react-diff-view offers a straightforward solution.

For a comprehensive comparison of these packages, check out the following link: Comparing deep-diff vs diff vs diff-match-patch vs diff2html vs react-diff-view.

Similar Npm Packages to diff-match-patch

diff-match-patch is a powerful library for computing and applying differences between text strings. It provides algorithms for comparing two pieces of text, identifying changes, and generating a patch that can be applied to one string to transform it into another. This library is particularly useful in applications that require text comparison, such as collaborative editing tools, version control systems, and content management systems. With its efficient algorithms, diff-match-patch can handle large texts and produce accurate results, making it a popular choice among developers.

There are several alternatives to diff-match-patch that also provide text comparison and diffing functionalities:

  • deep-diff is a library that focuses on deep comparison of JavaScript objects. Unlike diff-match-patch, which is primarily designed for string comparison, deep-diff can handle complex nested objects and arrays, making it suitable for applications that need to compare structured data. It provides a simple API to identify changes, additions, and deletions within objects, making it a great choice for applications that require detailed object state tracking.
  • diff is a lightweight library that provides a simple way to compute differences between strings and arrays. It is designed to be easy to use and can generate human-readable output for the differences found. While it may not have all the advanced features of diff-match-patch, it is a solid choice for developers looking for a straightforward solution to compare text and generate diffs without additional complexity.
  • diff2html is a library that converts diff output into HTML format. It is often used in conjunction with other diff libraries, including diff-match-patch and diff, to display differences in a visually appealing way. If you need to present diffs in a web application, diff2html can help you create a user-friendly interface for viewing changes, making it an excellent companion for any diffing library.

To explore how these libraries compare, check out the comparison: Comparing deep-diff vs diff vs diff-match-patch vs diff2html.

Similar Npm Packages to diff2html

diff2html is a JavaScript library that converts diff output into HTML format, making it easier to visualize changes in files. It is particularly useful for developers who want to display differences between file versions in a clear and user-friendly manner. While diff2html provides a robust solution for rendering diffs, there are several alternatives in the ecosystem that offer similar functionality. Here are a few noteworthy options:

  • diff is a simple and lightweight library for computing differences between two strings or files. It provides a straightforward API for generating diffs and can be used in various applications, including those that require custom diff rendering. If you need a basic solution for generating diffs without the need for HTML formatting, the diff library is an excellent choice.
  • diff2html-cli is a command-line interface for the diff2html library. It allows users to generate HTML diff output directly from the command line, making it convenient for quick diff visualizations without needing to integrate the library into a larger application. If you prefer working in a terminal environment and need a quick way to visualize diffs, diff2html-cli is a practical option.
  • diff3 is a library designed for comparing three different versions of a file. It is particularly useful for merge conflict resolution in version control systems. If your workflow involves handling three-way merges and you need to visualize the differences among three versions, diff3 provides the necessary tools to do so effectively.
  • react-diff-view is a React component for rendering diffs in a web application. It provides a simple way to display differences between two text inputs, making it an excellent choice for React developers who want to integrate diff visualization directly into their applications. If you're building a React app and need to show diffs, react-diff-view offers a seamless solution.

To see how these packages compare, check out the comparison: Comparing diff vs diff2html vs diff2html-cli vs diff3 vs react-diff-view.

Similar Npm Packages to react-diff-view

react-diff-view is a React component that allows developers to visually display differences between two text inputs, making it an excellent tool for applications that require version control, code review, or any scenario where comparing text is necessary. This library provides a clean and user-friendly interface to highlight changes, additions, and deletions, enhancing the user experience when reviewing differences in text.

An alternative to react-diff-view is react-diff-viewer. This library also provides a way to visualize differences between two pieces of text, but it comes with additional features and customization options. react-diff-viewer is built on top of react-diff, and it offers a more refined interface with the ability to display diffs in a side-by-side or inline format. It is particularly useful for applications that need to present diffs in a more visually appealing manner, with support for syntax highlighting and various customization options.

For a detailed comparison of these two packages, check out: Comparing react-diff-view vs react-diff-viewer.

README for deep-diff

deep-diff

CircleCI

NPM

deep-diff is a javascript/node.js module providing utility functions for determining the structural differences between objects and includes some utilities for applying differences across objects.

Install

npm install deep-diff

Possible v1.0.0 incompatabilities:

  • elements in arrays are now processed in reverse order, which fixes a few nagging bugs but may break some users
    • If your code relied on the order in which the differences were reported then your code will break. If you consider an object graph to be a big tree, then deep-diff does a pre-order traversal of the object graph, however, when it encounters an array, the array is processed from the end towards the front, with each element recursively processed in-order during further descent.

Features

  • Get the structural differences between two objects.
  • Observe the structural differences between two objects.
  • When structural differences represent change, apply change from one object to another.
  • When structural differences represent change, selectively apply change from one object to another.

Installation

npm install deep-diff

Importing

nodejs

var diff = require('deep-diff')
// or:
// const diff = require('deep-diff');
// const { diff } = require('deep-diff');
// or:
// const DeepDiff = require('deep-diff');
// const { DeepDiff } = require('deep-diff');
// es6+:
// import diff from 'deep-diff';
// import { diff } from 'deep-diff';
// es6+:
// import DeepDiff from 'deep-diff';
// import { DeepDiff } from 'deep-diff';

browser

<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/deep-diff@1/dist/deep-diff.min.js"></script>

In a browser, deep-diff defines a global variable DeepDiff. If there is a conflict in the global namespace you can restore the conflicting definition and assign deep-diff to another variable like this: var deep = DeepDiff.noConflict();.

Simple Examples

In order to describe differences, change revolves around an origin object. For consistency, the origin object is always the operand on the left-hand-side of operations. The comparand, which may contain changes, is always on the right-hand-side of operations.

var diff = require('deep-diff').diff;

var lhs = {
  name: 'my object',
  description: 'it\'s an object!',
  details: {
    it: 'has',
    an: 'array',
    with: ['a', 'few', 'elements']
  }
};

var rhs = {
  name: 'updated object',
  description: 'it\'s an object!',
  details: {
    it: 'has',
    an: 'array',
    with: ['a', 'few', 'more', 'elements', { than: 'before' }]
  }
};

var differences = diff(lhs, rhs);

v 0.2.0 and above The code snippet above would result in the following structure describing the differences:

[ { kind: 'E',
    path: [ 'name' ],
    lhs: 'my object',
    rhs: 'updated object' },
  { kind: 'E',
    path: [ 'details', 'with', 2 ],
    lhs: 'elements',
    rhs: 'more' },
  { kind: 'A',
    path: [ 'details', 'with' ],
    index: 3,
    item: { kind: 'N', rhs: 'elements' } },
  { kind: 'A',
    path: [ 'details', 'with' ],
    index: 4,
    item: { kind: 'N', rhs: { than: 'before' } } } ]

Differences

Differences are reported as one or more change records. Change records have the following structure:

  • kind - indicates the kind of change; will be one of the following:
    • N - indicates a newly added property/element
    • D - indicates a property/element was deleted
    • E - indicates a property/element was edited
    • A - indicates a change occurred within an array
  • path - the property path (from the left-hand-side root)
  • lhs - the value on the left-hand-side of the comparison (undefined if kind === 'N')
  • rhs - the value on the right-hand-side of the comparison (undefined if kind === 'D')
  • index - when kind === 'A', indicates the array index where the change occurred
  • item - when kind === 'A', contains a nested change record indicating the change that occurred at the array index

Change records are generated for all structural differences between origin and comparand. The methods only consider an object's own properties and array elements; those inherited from an object's prototype chain are not considered.

Changes to arrays are recorded simplistically. We care most about the shape of the structure; therefore we don't take the time to determine if an object moved from one slot in the array to another. Instead, we only record the structural differences. If the structural differences are applied from the comparand to the origin then the two objects will compare as "deep equal" using most isEqual implementations such as found in lodash or underscore.

Changes

When two objects differ, you can observe the differences as they are calculated and selectively apply those changes to the origin object (left-hand-side).

var observableDiff = require('deep-diff').observableDiff;
var applyChange = require('deep-diff').applyChange;

var lhs = {
  name: 'my object',
  description: 'it\'s an object!',
  details: {
    it: 'has',
    an: 'array',
    with: ['a', 'few', 'elements']
  }
};

var rhs = {
  name: 'updated object',
  description: 'it\'s an object!',
  details: {
    it: 'has',
    an: 'array',
    with: ['a', 'few', 'more', 'elements', { than: 'before' }]
};

observableDiff(lhs, rhs, function (d) {
  // Apply all changes except to the name property...
  if (d.path[d.path.length - 1] !== 'name') {
    applyChange(lhs, rhs, d);
  }
});

API Documentation

A standard import of var diff = require('deep-diff') is assumed in all of the code examples. The import results in an object having the following public properties:

  • diff(lhs, rhs, prefilter, acc) — calculates the differences between two objects, optionally prefiltering elements for comparison, and optionally using the specified accumulator.
  • observableDiff(lhs, rhs, observer, prefilter) — calculates the differences between two objects and reports each to an observer function, optionally, prefiltering elements for comparison.
  • applyDiff(target, source, filter) — applies any structural differences from a source object to a target object, optionally filtering each difference.
  • applyChange(target, source, change) — applies a single change record to a target object. NOTE: source is unused and may be removed.
  • revertChange(target, source, change) reverts a single change record to a target object. NOTE: source is unused and may be removed.

diff

The diff function calculates the difference between two objects.

Arguments

  • lhs - the left-hand operand; the origin object.
  • rhs - the right-hand operand; the object being compared structurally with the origin object.
  • prefilter - an optional function that determines whether difference analysis should continue down the object graph.
  • acc - an optional accumulator/array (requirement is that it have a push function). Each difference is pushed to the specified accumulator.

Returns either an array of changes or, if there are no changes, undefined. This was originally chosen so the result would be pass a truthy test:

var changes = diff(obja, objb);
if (changes) {
  // do something with the changes.
}

Pre-filtering Object Properties

The prefilter's signature should be function(path, key) and it should return a truthy value for any path-key combination that should be filtered. If filtered, the difference analysis does no further analysis of on the identified object-property path.

const diff = require('deep-diff');
const assert = require('assert');

const data = {
  issue: 126,
  submittedBy: 'abuzarhamza',
  title: 'readme.md need some additional example prefilter',
  posts: [
    {
      date: '2018-04-16',
      text: `additional example for prefilter for deep-diff would be great.
      https://stackoverflow.com/questions/38364639/pre-filter-condition-deep-diff-node-js`
    }
  ]
};

const clone = JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(data));
clone.title = 'README.MD needs additional example illustrating how to prefilter';
clone.disposition = 'completed';

const two = diff(data, clone);
const none = diff(data, clone,
  (path, key) => path.length === 0 && ~['title', 'disposition'].indexOf(key)
);

assert.equal(two.length, 2, 'should reflect two differences');
assert.ok(typeof none === 'undefined', 'should reflect no differences');

Contributing

When contributing, keep in mind that it is an objective of deep-diff to have no package dependencies. This may change in the future, but for now, no-dependencies.

Please run the unit tests before submitting your PR: npm test. Hopefully your PR includes additional unit tests to illustrate your change/modification!

When you run npm test, linting will be performed and any linting errors will fail the tests... this includes code formatting.

Thanks to all those who have contributed so far!

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