When it comes to working with files in Linux, it is important to be able to compare files quickly and easily. Fortunately, there are a number of tools available to do just that. 

Here at Fixwebnode, we will explore the 10 best tools to compare files in Linux and how to install them via command line.

1. diff

Diff is the most common and simplest tool to compare files in Linux. It compares two files line by line and outputs the differences between them. 

Diff's man official website is at https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/diff.1.html

To install diff on your Linux machine, enter the following command: 

$ sudo apt-get install diff

2. cmp

Cmp is a command line tool that compares two files byte by byte. It can be used to quickly detect differences between two binary files. 

Cmp's man official website is at https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/cmp.1.html

To install cmp on your Linux machine, enter the following command: 

$ sudo apt-get install cmp

3. Meld

Meld is a graphical file comparison tool that allows you to visually compare and merge two or three files side by side. It can be used to compare text, source code, and binary files. 

Meld's official website is at https://meldmerge.org/

To install meld on your Linux machine, enter the following command: 

$ sudo apt-get install meld

4. KDiff3

KDiff3 is a graphical file comparison and merging tool that allows you to compare and merge two or three files side by side. It is primarily used for source code and text file comparison, but it can also be used to compare binary files. 

KDiff3's official website is at https://kdiff3.sourceforge.net/

To install KDiff3 on your Linux machine, enter the following command: 

$ sudo apt-get install kdiff3

5. Beyond Compare

Beyond Compare is a commercial file comparison tool that allows you to compare and sync files and folders. It can be used to compare text, source code, binary, and image files. 

To install Beyond Compare on your Linux machine, enter the following command: 

$ sudo apt-get install beyondcompare

6. WinMerge

WinMerge is an open source file comparison tool that allows you to compare files and directories side by side. It can be used to compare text, source code, and binary files. 

WinMerge's official website is at https://winmerge.org/downloads/?lang=en

To install WinMerge on your Linux machine, enter the following command: 

$ sudo apt-get install winmerge

7. DiffMerge

DiffMerge is a graphical file comparison and merging tool that allows you to compare two or three files side by side and merge them if necessary. It can be used to compare text, source code, and binary files. 

DiffMerge's official website is at https://sourcegear.com/diffmerge/

To install DiffMerge on your Linux machine, enter the following command: 

$ sudo apt-get install diffmerge

8. Araxis Merge

Araxis Merge is a commercial file comparison and merging tool that allows you to compare and merge two or three files side by side. It can be used to compare text, source code, and binary files. 

Araxis Merge official website is at https://www.araxis.com/merge/index.en

To install Araxis Merge on your Linux machine, enter the following command: 

$ sudo apt-get install araxis-merge

9. P4Merge

P4Merge is a graphical file comparison and merging tool that allows you to compare and merge two or three files side by side. It can be used to compare text, source code, and binary files. 

To install P4Merge on your Linux machine, enter the following command: 

$ sudo apt-get install p4merge

10. Vimdiff

Vimdiff is a graphical file comparison and merging tool that is integrated into the Vim text editor. It can be used to compare text, source code, and binary files. To install Vimdiff on your Linux machine, enter the following command: 

$ sudo apt-get install vim-diff

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