SYSTEM FOR FINDING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TWO COMPUTER FILES AND UPDATING THE COMPUTER FILES

摘要

This method and apparatus set out an updating system to convert an OLD input file (34) into a NEW file (40) with a distributed patch file (36). The OLD input file (34) is examined to locate strings in it which are stored in a table; the NEW file is tested for matches (perfect matches are not mandated) which are stored. In an iterative process, matches are refined and optimized, resulting in a smaller and more easily distributed patch file (36). The patch file (36) can be sent to locations where the OLD input file (34) is converted by the patch file into a NEW file (40).