description Rsync (Command Line) Overview
Rsync is a command-line tool primarily used for efficient file synchronization and backup. It excels at creating incremental backups by transferring only changes between locations—typically network shares or computers. This makes it valuable for system administrators, developers, and anyone needing reliable data protection through scripting or automated processes on Linux systems.
help Rsync (Command Line) FAQ
Why do system administrators still use rsync for backups?
Rsync transfers only changed parts of files, which makes repeat backups much faster than copying everything again. It is commonly used over SSH with commands like rsync -avz source/ user@server:/backup/.
What is the difference between rsync and scp?
Scp copies files directly, while rsync compares source and destination and sends only differences where possible. That makes rsync more efficient for recurring backups, mirrors, and large directory trees.
Does rsync delete files from the backup destination?
Only if you use options such as --delete. That flag is powerful because it makes the destination mirror the source, but it can also remove files you meant to keep.
Can rsync preserve permissions and timestamps?
Yes, the common -a archive option preserves important metadata such as permissions, modification times, symlinks, and directory structure. On Unix-like systems, that is one reason rsync is favored for server migrations and home directory backups.
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