Comparing and Merging Files with GNU diff and patch by David MacKenzie, Paul Eggert, and Richard Stallman Paperback (6"x9"), 120 pages ISBN 0954161750 RRP £12.95 ($19.95) "Well packaged... the quality of information is excellent" --- Linux User and Developer Magazine (Issue 36, Feb 2004) Get a printed copy>>>

Comparing and Merging Files with GNU diff and patch Buy the book here! >>> support free software

2.6.4 An Example of If-then-else Format

Here is the output of ‘diff -DTWO lao tzu’ (see section 2.1 Two Sample Input Files, for the complete contents of the two files):

#ifndef TWO
The Way that can be told of is not the eternal Way;
The name that can be named is not the eternal name.
#endif /* ! TWO */
The Nameless is the origin of Heaven and Earth;
#ifndef TWO
The Named is the mother of all things.
#else /* TWO */
The named is the mother of all things.

#endif /* TWO */
Therefore let there always be non-being,
  so we may see their subtlety,
And let there always be being,
  so we may see their outcome.
The two are the same,
But after they are produced,
  they have different names.
#ifdef TWO
They both may be called deep and profound.
Deeper and more profound,
The door of all subtleties!
#endif /* TWO */