What is a 'diff' operation used for in version control systems?

The 'diff' operation in version control systems is fundamentally designed to compare two sets of files and highlight the differences between them. This function is essential for understanding how files have evolved over time, enabling developers to see what changes have been made to the codebase. By identifying additions, deletions, and modifications, version control systems help teams track progress, review changes, and manage conflicts effectively.

This comparison capability is crucial for code reviews, allowing team members to scrutinize changes before they are integrated into the main codebase. It fosters collaboration, ensuring that everyone is aware of the modifications being made and can provide feedback or suggest improvements.

The focus of the diff operation is on analyzing variations rather than combining files, merging branches, or simplifying structures, which highlights its specialized function within version control workflows.