Re: [Quilt-dev] Patching binary files

[Matěj Cepl]

On Wed Aug 14, 2024 at 3:20 PM CEST, Aidan wrote:
> I do not care if the diff algorithm is smart enough to reduce the size of
> the patch. I only care that after the patch is applied the resulting binary
> is exactly what I expect.

There are proper algorithms for binary diffs https://www.daemonology.net/bsdiff/

And yes, all binary patches (especially with line-oriented
algorithms like what diff uses [1]) are incredibly brittle and
I could expect specific binary diff programs could use a lot of
checks to make sure the patch is properly applied. diff/patch has
obviously absolutely nothing in that arena.

Best,

Matěj

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diff#Implementations_and_related_programs
-- 
http://matej.ceplovi.cz/blog/, @mcepl@floss.social
GPG Finger: 3C76 A027 CA45 AD70 98B5  BC1D 7920 5802 880B C9D8
 
But if we find we have left our bones to bleach in these desert
sands for nothing, beware the fury of the legions …
      -- Centurion in a letter home from North Africa
         3rd Century

E09FEF25D96484AC.asc
Description: application/pgp-keys

signature.asc
Description: PGP signature