Why convert XDELTA to VCDIFF?
The xdelta3 tool describes itself as a "VCDIFF (RFC 3284) binary diff tool," meaning its output stream is standard .VCDIFF. The two names describe the same bytes, which is why no converter exists - the difference is purely the filename.
How to convert XDELTA to VCDIFF
Rename the extension EASIEST
Rename patch.xdelta to patch.vcdiff; the contents are already a valid VCDIFF stream and stay byte-for-byte identical.
xdelta3 (re-encode) FREE
If you want a clean stream, re-run xdelta3 -e -s original modified out.vcdiff to write a fresh VCDIFF from the source files.
About these formats
.XDELTA
xdelta Differential File
An .xdelta file is a binary patch created by the xdelta tool that records only the differences between an original file and a modified version. It is not meant to be opened and read…
Open .XDELTA details →
.VCDIFF
VCDIFF File
A .VCDIFF file is a data file used by specific software.
Open .VCDIFF details →Quality & what to watch
- Renaming changes nothing but the label; the file is already RFC 3284 VCDIFF data.
- Some tools expect xdelta3's specific header options, so a strict third-party VCDIFF reader may still complain.
- There is no quality loss because no re-encoding occurs unless you deliberately regenerate the patch.
Frequently asked questions
Is xdelta the same as vcdiff?
Effectively yes. xdelta3 produces VCDIFF (RFC 3284) output, so an
.xdelta file is already vcdiff data.Do I need a converter for xdelta to vcdiff?
No. Renaming the file to
.vcdiff is enough because the format is identical.Will other VCDIFF tools read my xdelta file?
Standards-compliant VCDIFF readers should, since xdelta3 writes the RFC 3284 format. Some tools expect xdelta3's specific options, though.
Does renaming change the file?
No. The bytes are unchanged; only the label differs.
