How to get git log --follow to show patches for binary files like git diff

Question

I need to follow the history of a binary file, like what I would get from git log --follow --patch textfile, but for a binary file.

For git diff it's possible to configure a specific diff tool via .gitattributes and .git/config and I've done so: git diff binary_file shows a text representation of the change. git log --follow --patch doesn't show that representation however, it just says Binary files a/binary_file and b/binary_file differ - Is it possible to configure git to use the same machinery here as with git diff?

My particular case is a spreadsheet, so my .gitattributes:

*.ods diff=spreadsheet

.git/config:

[diff "spreadsheet"]
    binary = true
    command = excelcompare

Try git log --ext-diff: git log --ext-diff --follow --patch binaryfile — phd
– phd, Commented Jan 8 at 16:19
@phd that is a correct answer, thanks. Why didn't you post ist as a SO answer? too short? I'd really like to mark it as correct — chichak
– chichak, Commented Jan 9 at 12:02
"Why didn't you post ist as a SO answer?" Because I wasn't sure it would work for you, that simple. :-) — phd
– phd, Commented Jan 9 at 12:05

phd · Accepted Answer · 2025-01-09 12:06:00Z

2

Use git log --ext-diff:

git log --ext-diff --follow --patch binaryfile

answered Jan 9 at 12:06

phd

97.2k14 gold badges165 silver badges223 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

How to get git log --follow to show patches for binary files like git diff

1 Answer 1

Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related