Re: Does diff generate diff or patch files?

[Karl Berry]

    This question carries no real importance besides the fact that I would
    like to use the proper terminology.

I usually just call diff "a diff", not any kind of "file".  After all,
it's often used without being saved.  It is more a format (many formats)
than a file, after all.  

I might call it a "patch" if it's something that is likely to actually
be applied a patch.  A "patch file" would be something actually saved
and distributed, as opposed to being bandied about in email.

Does it all really matter?

    is context (-c) or unified (-u) a better form of (diff|patch)?
    file format, for the patch program to accept?

It makes no difference that I can think of.  I guess -u is slightly
smaller, therefore it is slightly better.

Best,
k