Windows fc /n equivalent in Linux
Shows unified differences between text files.
fc /n
diff -u file1 file2
diff -u file1 file2
diff -u file1 file2
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "fc /n" is used to compare text with context. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "diff -u file1 file2". Shows unified differences between text files. This reference is grouped under Text Processing → Sort/Compare.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows fc /n maps to diff -u 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 command-line basics.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Compare text with context
Shows unified differences between text files.
diff -u file1 file2
Compare text with context
diff --help
Show command help when supported
man diff
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
diff -u file1 file2
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: fc /n
diff -u file1 file2Reference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
diff -u file1 file2 | Compare text with context |
diff --help | Show command help when supported |
man diff | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "diff -u 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 | diff -u file1 file2 |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | diff -u file1 file2 |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | diff -u file1 file2 |
Same command on this distribution. |
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