# Gh Pr Diff

> View the diff of a GitHub pull request using gh CLI to see code changes.

- Skill: `dceoy/gh-pr-diff` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add dceoy/gh-pr-diff`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/dceoy/gh-pr-diff/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: dceoy (https://skillmd.com/u/dceoy)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/dceoy/gh-pr-diff

---


# GitHub PR Diff

## When to use

- The user asks to see what changed in a PR.
- Reviewing code changes before merge.
- Getting a list of files changed in a PR.

## Inputs to confirm

- PR number, URL, or branch name (or current branch PR).
- Output format (full diff, name-only, patch).
- Target repo if not current (`--repo OWNER/REPO`).

## Workflow

1. Verify auth:
   ```bash
   gh --version
   gh auth status
   ```
2. View the diff:

   ```bash
   # Full diff
   gh pr diff 123

   # List changed files only
   gh pr diff 123 --name-only

   # Patch format
   gh pr diff 123 --patch
   ```

3. Control color output:
   ```bash
   gh pr diff 123 --color always
   gh pr diff 123 --color never | less
   ```
4. Open in browser for visual diff:
   ```bash
   gh pr diff 123 --web
   ```

## Examples

```bash
# View diff of current branch's PR
gh pr diff

# See only file names changed
gh pr diff 123 --name-only

# Get patch format for applying elsewhere
gh pr diff 123 --patch > changes.patch

# Pipe to less for large diffs
gh pr diff 123 --color always | less -R
```

## Flags reference

| Flag          | Description                                       |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| `--color`     | Color output: always, never, auto (default: auto) |
| `--name-only` | Show only names of changed files                  |
| `--patch`     | Display diff in patch format                      |
| `-w, --web`   | Open diff in browser                              |

## Notes

- Without arguments, shows diff for current branch's PR.
- Use `--name-only` for quick overview of scope.
- Patch format is useful for cherry-picking or backup.

## References

- GitHub CLI manual: https://cli.github.com/manual/
- `gh pr diff --help`