WhatsDiff

About WhatsDiff

WhatsDiff is a command-line tool that shows what actually changed after running composer or npm updates. It compares dependency files between commits and surfaces version changes, release counts, and aggregated changelogs directly in the terminal.

Review

WhatsDiff addresses a common pain point: figuring out which releases were applied when dependencies move forward. It offers an interactive terminal UI for reading changelogs, structured outputs for automation, and CI-friendly exit codes, making dependency updates easier to inspect and act on.

Key Features

• Compare dependency files between commits and list changed packages with version ranges and release counts
• Interactive TUI for reading full changelogs without leaving the terminal
• JSON and Markdown output options for automation and reporting
• CI/CD integration with configurable exit codes to enforce policies in pipelines
• Optional MCP server to assist with upgrade guidance and management

Pricing and Value

WhatsDiff is free and open-source, which makes it accessible for individual developers and teams. Its main value is time saved during dependency reviews and clearer risk assessment of updates; automation-friendly outputs and CI integration multiply that value for teams with continuous delivery workflows.

Pros

• Makes dependency changes human-readable so reviewers can see what releases were skipped or applied
• Terminal-first UX with an interactive changelog reader keeps workflows in a developer's environment
• Structured outputs and exit codes enable easy integration into CI/CD and automation scripts
• Open-source licence lowers adoption friction and allows customization

Cons

• Command-line focus may be less approachable for non-terminal users or stakeholders who prefer web UIs
• Primary support is for composer and npm; other package ecosystems may require extra work or be unsupported
• Some features (for example server-assisted upgrades) may require additional setup or infrastructure

Ideal users are developers, maintainers, and DevOps engineers who manage dependency updates regularly and want clearer insight into what changed. It works well in CI-driven environments and for projects that prioritize transparent, auditable dependency updates; casual users without terminal workflows may find the interface less convenient.

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