What is a .XDELTA file?
An .XDELTA file is a type of file known as a differential file, which is created using a tool called xdelta. This tool operates from the command line, meaning it is used through text commands in a computer's terminal or command prompt. The xdelta program was first developed by Joshua MacDonald in 1997. It is primarily used to record the differences between two files. For example, if you have an original file and you make changes to it, xdelta can compare the original and the modified file and create an .XDELTA file that contains just the differences between them.
This .XDELTA file is quite useful because it is smaller than having to store or send the entire modified file. It is especially popular in the video gaming community for applying patches or mods (modifications) to games. Instead of distributing a complete game file, which can be illegal due to copyright issues, modders can distribute just the .XDELTA file. Other users can then apply this .XDELTA file to their own copy of the game to achieve the same modifications.
To work with .XDELTA files, you can use the xdelta program itself or other versions of the tool like xdelta UI, which provides a graphical user interface, making it easier for those who prefer not to use command line tools. These programs allow you to create .XDELTA files by inputting the original and modified files, and they can also apply .XDELTA files to an original file to produce a modified version.
In summary, .XDELTA files are useful for efficiently storing and transmitting changes made to files, particularly in scenarios where only the differences need to be shared, such as in video game modding.
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