xdelta

If you're looking for a library and application for computing and applying file deltas, then xdelta might be the solution for you. The xdelta project features VCDIFF encoding and decoding, designed and implemented by Joshua MacDonald. This software utilizes the delta algorithm based on the Rsync algorithm, but with unique implementations and interfaces that differentiate it from the original program, which was developed by Andrew Tridgell and Paul Mackerras.

To compile and install xdelta, refer to the INSTALL file in order to properly follow instructions. It's highly recommended that you take the time to go through the first few sections of the documentation available in the info format. All of the software's documentation can be found in the doc/ subdirectory.

Once installed, the options available include the ability to set the zlib compression level between -0..9, with zero indicating no compression and nine being the maximum compression level. You can also print a short help message and exit, suppress multiple warning messages, print the xdelta version number and exit, and even set an upper bound on the size of a page cache. Other available options include setting block size and disabling automatic decompression of gzipped inputs.

The latest release features bug fixes and performance improvements along with VCDIFF encoding. Overall, xdelta is a reliable software program for computing and applying file deltas.