External diff tool guide

Delta

Syntax-highlighting pager for Git, diff, grep, rg --json, and blame output with side-by-side and line-number modes.

Category
Terminal
License
Open source
Platforms
Windows, macOS, Linux

Best for

Developers who live in the terminal and want readable Git diffs without opening a desktop merge application.

Strengths

  • Excellent terminal readability
  • Works naturally with Git
  • Fast and configurable

Limitations

  • No GUI merge editor
  • Requires terminal setup
  • Best for text/code rather than media or office files

Key features

Syntax highlighting
Side-by-side view
Line numbers
Git diff, blame, grep, and rg integration

Install notes

macOS: brew install git-deltaWindows: winget install dandavison.deltaLinux: use distro package or GitHub releases