Keep Folders Synchronized With DropSync
As mentioned earlier in a previous post I’m trying to make Mac OS X Screencasts better by re-encoding all old screencasts so they are playing on an iPad. This is such a lot of work that I’m thankful for everything that helps me to achieve this goal quicker.
Re-encoding is one thing, but getting everything onto the server and have it in the correct spot is another. The server-lag drives you crazy after the first 100 files. I’ve also decided to go with another directory structure, which makes it even harder to get everything right.
DropSync solves this problem by mirroring the server structure to a (local) external disc. It’s called sync, but really, underneath its surface, rsync does all the work. The app is basically a GUI for rsync. A really good one.
There are others available for the Mac, but DropSync does much more than its competitors. Like:
- DropSync checks with the server which rsync version is installed and tells you about problems or incompatibilities. (Extended attributes, anyone?)
- DropSync allows you to use SSH (with your public key) to access the server.
- DropSync knows the difference between syncing (a non-destructive file transfer that keeps items at the destination, e.g. for backup) and mirroring (a destructive transfer that deletes files from the destination that are not on the origin). See Help “Configuring an item so that file deletions are propagated”.
- DropSync is very configurable. A new Synced Places’ Advanced tab looks like this:
Of course you can also you can also sync two external local hard drives with DropSync.
Not the easiest usable tool for end users, but still easy enough to get folders synced. Intermediate and power user are the ones who are really going to have a lot of fun with it.
The developer also told me that version 3 is going to be the version with a much better interface.