Compare software

ydiff vs icdiff: catalog facts
ydiff	icdiff
Best for: Developers reviewing diffs in a terminal	Best for: Developers comparing text files or reviewing changes in a terminal
Free Free and open source under the BSD-3-Clause license.	Free Free software distributed under a GPL-compatible license.
Command line	Command line
Shows side-by-side or unified diffs Supports colored themes and automatic paging All 3 strengths for ydiff Shows side-by-side or unified diffs Supports colored themes and automatic paging Reads diffs from a workspace or standard input	Shows differences in a side-by-side terminal view Highlights changes within lines All 3 strengths for icdiff Shows differences in a side-by-side terminal view Highlights changes within lines Can be used with Git, Subversion and Mercurial
Requires Python and the less pager	Requires a terminal that can display color for colored highlighting.
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: BSD-3-Clause	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for ydiff github.com/ymattw/ydiff Catalog checked October 8, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for icdiff jefftk.com/icdiff Catalog checked October 8, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.