18
submitted 2 weeks ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

Not a stranger to using linux, but never bothered with keeping things synchronized between devices.

I have a laptop, and a desktop both running Arch (I use Arch BTW) and wanted to investigate the best way to synchronize things from device to device. Just to outline some details, both are running KDE on Wayland, both BTRFS, as well as a number of other similarities such as username.

I want to be able to synchronize certain config files, Documents and Files, and was going to go the Syncthing route.

What are you doing, or what would you recommend to setup in order to have parity between two devices?

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Unison might be worth a look, provides bidirectional merging and command-line operation. It's what I'd use if I were mostly working with binary files and didn't want a history.

Rsync, which someone else recommended, is really aimed at efficient unidirectional replication, not keeping two directories on computers that are both being changed and are intermittently connected in sync.

config files

If there's mostly text and you're going to want to review changes, want to keep a history, and do a lot of merging, I'd use git, symlink files to aim at the git repo. I have a custom helper script, but stuff like GNU stow is aimed at this, and I'd probably recommend that someone look at it before rolling their own. Here's an example of someone using it with git in this role:

https://ratfactor.com/setup2

I agree with that guy about using bare git repos as the "master" copy, even if one of the machines in question also hosts the bare repos and technically you have some redundant information on it. Makes life easier, no machine is "special".

If I had both binary files (say, a music collection) that I wanted kept in sync without a history and text files that I do (say, my dotfiles), I'd use both.

[-] [email protected] 1 points 2 weeks ago

Fantastic suggestions. Gives me some things to try. Thank you so much!

this post was submitted on 27 Jun 2024
18 points (90.9% liked)

Linux

7352 readers
56 users here now

Welcome to c/linux!

Welcome to our thriving Linux community! Whether you're a seasoned Linux enthusiast or just starting your journey, we're excited to have you here. Explore, learn, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share a passion for open-source software and the endless possibilities it offers. Together, let's dive into the world of Linux and embrace the power of freedom, customization, and innovation. Enjoy your stay and feel free to join the vibrant discussions that await you!

Rules:

  1. Stay on topic: Posts and discussions should be related to Linux, open source software, and related technologies.

  2. Be respectful: Treat fellow community members with respect and courtesy.

  3. Quality over quantity: Share informative and thought-provoking content.

  4. No spam or self-promotion: Avoid excessive self-promotion or spamming.

  5. No NSFW adult content

  6. Follow general lemmy guidelines.

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS