DirSync Pro
| Company type | Open-source software |
|---|---|
| Industry | Software |
| Predecessor | Directory Synchronize (DirSync) |
| Founded | July 2008 |
| Founder | O. Givi |
Area served | Windows, Linux, macOS |
| Products | File synchronization and backup software |
DirSync Pro is an open-source utility designed for file synchronization and backup, compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS platforms. It traces its origins to Directory Synchronize (DirSync), initially introduced in 2003 by Elias Gerber and later enhanced by Frank Gerbig and T. Groetzner. In July 2008, O. Givi released DirSync Pro, which was derived from a fork of the original source code and has since undergone extensive redesigns and code revisions.
The program provides a graphical user interface that facilitates the management of numerous synchronization jobs. From version 1.31 onward, it supports synchronization between local folders but does not include FTP capabilities. The software is fully portable, running entirely within its own folder structure.
DirSync Pro enables directory comparison and synchronization with support for incremental backups. It offers both one-way (mirroring) and two-way synchronization options. Users can preview differences between source and target directories before executing synchronization. The application identifies changes such as edits, moves, deletions, or renaming in the source files or folders and updates the destination accordingly.
Features
DirSync Pro delivers a range of predefined synchronization modes tailored to various organizational requirements:
- Synchronize A -> B (incremental): Replicates directory A into B by copying only new or altered files.
- Synchronize B -> A (incremental): Mirrors directory B into A using the same incremental approach.
- Synchronize A <-> B (incremental): Performs two-way incremental mirroring between directories A and B, syncing new and changed files.
- Synchronize A <-> B (custom): Offers advanced customizable bi-directional synchronization with user-configurable settings.
- Backup A -> B (full): Executes a complete copy of directory A to B.
- Restore B -> A (full): Fully restores contents from directory B back to A.
- Contribute A -> B / B -> A: Transfers only newly added files from source to target while ignoring modifications to existing files.
- Synchronize A -> B / B -> A (custom): Provides customizable one-way sync with detailed options.
For two-way synchronization, DirSync Pro identifies conflicts when files are independently modified in both directories and resolves them through options like selecting the newest or largest file, renaming conflicting files, or prompting the user for manual resolution. In one-way custom sync mode, conflicts arising from changes in the destination can be addressed by overwriting, issuing warnings, or ignoring them.
The software supports an unlimited number of filters for precise file selection based on criteria such as:
- Filename patterns
- File size limits
- Modification timestamps
- Absolute directory paths
- DOS attributes (Windows)
- File ownership (POSIX systems)
- File permission settings (POSIX systems)
DirSync Pro incorporates a versatile scheduling system that allows synchronization tasks to be executed at intervals ranging from every minute up to monthly cycles. Its comprehensive logging capabilities provide detailed records either per individual task or globally across all tasks.
Furthermore, DirSync Pro maintains DOS file attributes, POSIX permissions and ownership details, and supports symbolic links to preserve data integrity across different operating systems.
Reception
Linux.com commended the tool for simplifying bidirectional synchronization by enabling users to select two folders easily. Likewise, freshmeat characterized it as a "powerful, easy-to-configure tool" suited for directory synchronization tasks.