What is the purpose of code comparison in software security?

The purpose of code comparison in software security primarily focuses on identifying parts of the source code that have changed. This process is crucial for several reasons: first, it helps reveal unintentional changes that may have introduced vulnerabilities or altered the application's intended behavior. Understanding what has changed in the code allows developers and security analysts to assess whether these changes are beneficial, neutral, or detrimental to the software's security posture.

In a security context, comparing code from different versions can help detect unauthorized modifications that could indicate potential security breaches or attacks. It also enables teams to track updates and ensure that enhancements or bug fixes do not create new vulnerabilities as developers implement changes. This vigilant method fosters improved communication among team members, as it encourages awareness of updates and modifications, ultimately contributing to the overall integrity and security of the software.