c# - Text difference algorithm

Question

I need an algorithm that can compare two text files and highlight their difference and ( even better!) can compute their difference in a meaningful way (like two similar files should have a similarity score higher than two dissimilar files, with the word "similar" defined in the normal terms). It sounds easy to implement, but it's not.

The implementation can be in c# or python.

Thanks.

Answer 1

I can recommend to take a look at Neil Fraser's code and articles:

google-diff-match-patch

Currently available in Java, JavaScript, C++ and Python. Regardless of language, each library features the same API and the same functionality. All versions also have comprehensive test harnesses.

Neil Fraser: Diff Strategies - for theory and implementation notes