barrett/diffs.nvim
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diffs.nvim/README.md
Barrett Ruth 10af59a70d feat(config): replace algorithm 'auto'/'native' with 'default'/'vscode' 
'default' inherits algorithm and linematch from diffopt, 'vscode' uses
the FFI library. Removes the need for diffs.nvim to duplicate settings
that users already control globally.
2026-02-06 21:23:40 -05:00

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diffs.nvim

Syntax highlighting for diffs in Neovim

Enhance vim-fugitive and Neovim's built-in diff mode with language-aware syntax highlighting.

diffs.nvim preview

Features

  • Treesitter syntax highlighting in :Git diffs and commit views
  • Diff header highlighting (diff --git, index, ---, +++)
  • :Gdiffsplit / :Gvdiffsplit syntax through diff backgrounds
  • :Gdiff unified diff against any git revision with syntax highlighting
  • Fugitive status buffer keymaps (du/dU) for unified diffs
  • Background-only diff colors for any &diff buffer (:diffthis, vimdiff)
  • Vim syntax fallback for languages without a treesitter parser
  • Hunk header context highlighting (@@ ... @@ function foo())
  • Character-level (intra-line) diff highlighting for changed characters
  • Configurable debouncing, max lines, and diff prefix concealment

Requirements

  • Neovim 0.9.0+

Installation

Install with your package manager of choice or via luarocks:

luarocks install diffs.nvim

Documentation

:help diffs.nvim

Known Limitations

  • Incomplete syntax context: Treesitter parses each diff hunk in isolation without surrounding code context. When a hunk shows lines added to an existing block (e.g., adding a plugin inside return { ... }), the parser doesn't see the return statement and may produce incorrect highlighting. This is inherent to parsing code fragments—no diff tooling solves this without significant complexity.

  • Syntax flashing: diffs.nvim hooks into the FileType fugitive event triggered by vim-fugitive, at which point the buffer is preliminarily painted. The buffer is then re-painted after debounce_ms milliseconds, causing an unavoidable visual "flash" even when debounce_ms = 0.

  • Conflicting diff plugins: diffs.nvim may not interact well with other plugins that modify diff highlighting. Known plugins that may conflict:

    • diffview.nvim - provides its own diff highlighting and conflict resolution UI
    • mini.diff - visualizes buffer differences with its own highlighting system
    • gitsigns.nvim - generally compatible, but both plugins modifying line highlights may produce unexpected results
    • git-conflict.nvim - conflict marker highlighting may overlap with diffs.nvim

Acknowledgements