title: Using an alternate diff algorithm in Git
body: <p>Because <code>git</code> is designed for source code, its default <code>diff</code> algorithm treats a line as the minimum indivisible unit.</p>
  
  <p>I am trying to edit some markdown files that are word wrapped at column 80.  Adding a sentence can cause the rest of the paragraph to be marked as changed.</p>
  
  <p>Is there a way to have Git use a diff algorithm more suited to text? I need one that treats words or sentences as indivisible units rather than lines?</p>