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Code & Deliverynoun · /dɪf/

diff

In simple English

In software development, a diff is the output of a comparison tool that highlights changes between two versions of code, configuration files, or any text document. When you push code, create a pull request, or commit changes, teammates review the diff to understand what you modified. Diffs use visual formatting, typically showing removed lines in red and added lines in green, making it easy to spot changes at a glance. The term is also used as a verb: to diff two files means to compare them and generate a diff output. Understanding diffs is essential for code reviews, debugging, and collaborating on shared codebases.

Understand what a diff is and how developers use it to compare code changes during code reviews and version control.

At a glanceCEFR B2
Commonness5/5
Versatility4/5
FormalityCasualFormalNeutral
Spoken ↔ WrittenSpokenWrittenBoth
Directness ↔ DiplomaticDirectDiplomaticDirect
RegionUS and UK
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Say it like this

✓Check the diff before merging
✓The diff looks good to me
✓Run a diff on those two files

Real examples

in a code review

"I reviewed the diff and found three bugs in the payment logic that need to be fixed."

in a standup meeting

"The diff for the database migration is pretty large, so I want to walk through it with the team."

in a pull request comment

"This diff adds too many changes at once. Can you split it into smaller, more focused commits?"

Don't say this

Handle with care. Do not confuse diff (a comparison output) with difference (general concept). Diff refers specifically to the formatted comparison of file or code changes, not just any difference.

✕I need to see the difference between these files.
✓I need to see the diff between these files.— Diff is the standard technical term for code/file comparisons; use it instead of the generic difference.
✕Did you diff the old version and new version?
✓Did you compare the old version and the new version? / What does the diff show?— Diff is primarily a noun (the output); when asking about the comparison action, use compare or ask about the diff result.
✕This diff is very different.
✓This diff shows many changes. / This is a large diff.— Avoid using diff as an adjective; use it as a noun or describe the diff itself.

Other forms

noun

diff

"Please review the diff before we ship this feature."

verb

diff

"Let me diff these two configuration files to see what changed."

Often used with

check the diffReview the comparison output to see what changed
review the diffExamine the diff carefully during code review
large diffA diff with many changes, often indicating a big commit
merge the diffAccept and integrate the changes shown in the diff
run a diffExecute a diff command to compare files

Similar words

patchSimilar context but patch often refers to a file containing changes ready to be applied
changesetA broader term for all changes in a commit, while diff shows the detailed line-by-line comparison
deltaThe difference or change between two versions, but less specific to code formatting

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Practice

Try it

4 quick exercises

Pick the most natural phrasing

1. Your colleague pushes code and asks you to review it. What do you say?

Complete the sentence

2. Before merging any pull request, we must _______ the _______ carefully.

Spot the mistake

3. Which sentence uses 'diff' incorrectly?

Rewrite naturally

4. Rewrite in tech English: 'I want to look at the comparison between the old code and the new code to understand the changes.'

Questions

Quick poll

Have you said "diff" in a standup this week?

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