Return associative php array in DiffHelper::calculate

[maxiirs]

Currently, one has to use json_decode() to access diff properties. This approach is cumbersome and adds unnecessary complexity to the code. It would be helpful to have an option to directly retrieve the diffs as an associative array, simplifying access and improving processing efficiency.

[jfcherng]

Currently, one has to use json_decode() to access diff properties.

Because it's not a design goal. If you want that rather than rendered diff, you probably just use https://github.com/jfcherng/php-sequence-matcher . This lib is based on that too.

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I don't have an idea how it could be done beautifully, since a renderer is required to return a string by design.

You may use the getChanges() method of any HTML renderer to get the diff in php array.