What does each output line represent?

In the output of the diff command, each line represents the following:

1. Change Indicator: The first part of the output, such as 1c1, indicates the type of change:

   • The first number (before the letter) refers to the line number in the first file.
   • The letter (c, d, or a) indicates the type of change:
     • c: change
     • d: delete
     • a: add
   • The second number (after the letter) refers to the line number in the second file.

2. Content from the First File: The line prefixed with < shows the content from the first file that is being compared.

3. Separator: The three dashes --- separate the content from the two files.

4. Content from the Second File: The line prefixed with > shows the content from the second file that differs from the first file.

For example, in the output:

1c1
< The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog
---
> The quick brown lynx jumps over the lazy dog

• 1c1 indicates that line 1 in the first file needs to be changed to match line 1 in the second file.
• The line starting with < shows the original content from the first file.
• The line starting with > shows the new content from the second file.