Comparison between binary files - UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

smehra_20 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008

Hello,

I would like to know if we can compare binary(non text) files in unix
eg. exes

Thanks

Saurabh

joeyg · #2 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008

Below, I copy ots to another location; meaning both files are identical.
The 2nd line diff command returns nothing; confirming that the files are identical.

I then compare two slightly different versions of the file; and get the message that the binary files are different.

Code:

> cp otsort ../cbin2/ots_orig
> diff otsort ../cbin2/ots_orig
> diff ots ots64
Binary files ots and ots64 differ

era · #3 (**permalink**) 08-28-2008

Also check out the cmp command.

jim mcnamara · #4 (**permalink**) 08-28-2008

Are you trying to get version information? try ident.
If you are trying to see that compiled image files are identical, try md5 or cksum

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