Windows fc /b equivalent in Linux
Compares two files as binary data.
fc /b
cmp file1 file2
cmp file1 file2
cmp file1 file2
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "fc /b" is used to binary file compare. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "cmp file1 file2". Compares two files as binary data. This reference is grouped under File Management → Compare.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows fc /b maps to cmp file1 file2 for this task. Treat this as a workflow mapping rather than a character-for-character syntax translation.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux filesystem for Windows users.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Binary file compare
Compares two files as binary data.
cmp file1 file2
Binary file compare
cmp --help
Show command help when supported
man cmp
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
cmp file1 file2
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: fc /b
cmp file1 file2Reference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
cmp file1 file2 | Binary file compare |
cmp --help | Show command help when supported |
man cmp | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "cmp file1 file2" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | cmp file1 file2 |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | cmp file1 file2 |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | cmp file1 file2 |
Same command on this distribution. |
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