cmpxat ☆

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Description:
Command tool to compare all the extended attributes (xattrs) between two files

Type: Cask | Latest Version: 4,2023.07@0 | Tracked Since: Dec 17, 2025

Links: Homepage | formulae.brew.sh

Category: System utilities

Tags: xattr file-comparison command-line macos metadata

Install: brew install --cask cmpxat

About:
cmpxat is a specialized command-line utility designed to meticulously compare the extended attributes (xattrs) between two files. It provides a detailed report highlighting any differences in metadata, which is crucial for troubleshooting file synchronization, permission issues, or security attribute changes. This tool fills a niche gap left by standard file comparison utilities.

Key Features:

Compares all extended attributes between two files
Outputs a clear, human-readable report of differences
Command-line interface for easy automation and scripting
Focuses specifically on xattrs, ignoring file content

Use Cases:

Verifying file integrity and metadata consistency after backups or file transfers
Debugging application issues related to file permissions or quarantine attributes

Alternatives:

xattr – The native 'xattr' command can list attributes but lacks a built-in diff mode, requiring manual parsing.
diff – Standard 'diff' compares file content, not metadata attributes.

Version History

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