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(diff.info)RCS

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RCS Scripts
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   The RCS output format is designed specifically for use by the
Revision Control System, which is a set of free programs used for
organizing different versions and systems of files.  Use the `-n' or
`--rcs' option to select this output format.  It is like the forward
`ed' format (Note: Forward ed), but it can represent arbitrary
changes to the contents of a file because it avoids the forward `ed'
format's problems with lines consisting of a single period and with
incomplete lines.  Instead of ending text sections with a line
consisting of a single period, each command specifies the number of
lines it affects; a combination of the `a' and `d' commands are used
instead of `c'.  Also, if the second file ends in a changed incomplete
line, then the output also ends in an incomplete line.

   Here is the output of `diff -n lao tzu' (Note: Sample diff Input,
for the complete contents of the two files):

     d1 2
     d4 1
     a4 2
     The named is the mother of all things.
     
     a11 3
     They both may be called deep and profound.
     Deeper and more profound,
     The door of all subtleties!