Paste two versions of Makefile code, or drop Makefile, GNUmakefile and .mk files, to see every change highlighted. Use it to compare build rules between projects or review a change. Diffspot highlights Makefile syntax, marks changed words inside each line and recognizes moved blocks. Press Try an example to see it on a real Makefile change.
How to compare Makefile files
- Paste or drop the original Makefile code on the left.
- Paste or drop the changed version on the right. The diff updates as you type.
- Jump between changes with F7 and Shift+F7, or switch to Unified view to read it like a pull request.
- Copy or export a unified diff, a .patch file or an HTML report.
Makefile comparison tips
- Comparing MakefileRecipes in Makefiles must be indented with tabs. Leave whitespace comparison on to catch a tab that became spaces.
- Your code stays privateThe comparison runs on your device in WebAssembly. Proprietary code is never uploaded or stored.
- Fast on large filesFiles with hundreds of thousands of lines compare in about a second.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Makefile detected automatically?
Yes. Diffspot recognizes Makefile from the file name (Makefile, GNUmakefile and .mk) or from the code itself. You can also choose it in the Syntax menu.
Is my code uploaded?
No. The page loads the diff engine once; after that your code stays in the browser tab. How Diffspot works explains how you can check this yourself.
Can I get a patch file?
Yes. Export → Download .patch creates a standard unified diff that git apply or patch can apply.