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Syncthing: A continuous file synchronization program

syncthing.net

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Re: Syncthing: A continuous file synchronization program

#11

Can I use it to backup SQLite? Like an alternative to Litestream? Are there any negative implications for doing this?

Syncthing "just" syncs files. Near instantly, which could mean a delay of a few seconds to maybe even a minute. And it won't de-conflict changes beyond saving the "bad" version in a file like `sqlite.db-syncthing-conflict-20230101T043044`. (Not an issue if you only have one host changing the database file)

I like it and IMO it does what it does well. But litestream can "Continuously stream SQLite changes" (pulled from https://litestream.io/, I've never heard of it before). It seems like that's litestream's killer feature, and I think syncthing would leave you wanting.

Re: Syncthing: A continuous file synchronization program

#12
post #4

While SyncThjng might be encrypted, it’s yet another port or server that’s open. We need ubiquitous private networks, such as wire guard, zerotier, or the buggy back-to-my-mac.

I keep wanting Tailscale to offer a "tailnet API" whereby you can bundle a tailnet into your app, and users can connect to other instances of the app (whether their same account or other people sharing parts of their app/data) seamlessly: E2E encrypted, NAT busting, it just works. Think about it: mobile and desktop apps no longer have to upload things to some third-party service to share with yourself or a group of p…

Pretty sure they offer that already, https://tailscale.com/blog/golink/ has more information on embedding the tailnet within a program.

Re: Syncthing: A continuous file synchronization program

#13
post #6

Syncthing is excellent. I’ve used it for years to keep my development folders synced between mac, linux and windows, and except for some initial figuring out of ignore patterns and the occasional hiccup with filenames that windows can’t handle it has been great at doing what it needs to and getting out of my way. (I of course also use git, but syncthing lets me choose when I push while still having all my work on all…

> occasional hiccup with filenames that windows can’t handle

My only complaint so far and I've been using it for years. At first it started as a way to have my Keepass file in sync between computers, and evolved from that.

Re: Syncthing: A continuous file synchronization program

#14

Can I use it to backup SQLite? Like an alternative to Litestream? Are there any negative implications for doing this?

Not really, it can't resolve a conflict inside the file and can't enforce a distributed lock on changing the file. Ultimately there will be ways for the file to corrupt or get out of sync, especially if multiple writers are present. There might be a way to make things work better with SQLite's more recent WAL mode but I'm not familiar with it.

Re: Syncthing: A continuous file synchronization program

#15
post #6

Syncthing is excellent. I’ve used it for years to keep my development folders synced between mac, linux and windows, and except for some initial figuring out of ignore patterns and the occasional hiccup with filenames that windows can’t handle it has been great at doing what it needs to and getting out of my way. (I of course also use git, but syncthing lets me choose when I push while still having all my work on all…

i always heard it fucks up with git repos?

Re: Syncthing: A continuous file synchronization program

#17
post #12
post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I keep wanting Tailscale to offer a "tailnet API" whereby you can bundle a tailnet into your app, and users can connect to other instances of the app (whether their same account or other people sharing parts of their app/data) seamlessly: E2E encrypted, NAT busting, it just works. Think about it: mobile and desktop apps no longer have to upload things to some third-party service to share with yourself or a group of p…

Pretty sure they offer that already, https://tailscale.com/blog/golink/ has more information on embedding the tailnet within a program.

It can be embedded in a program, but it doesn't automatically manage devices on a tailnet; i.e. there's no way to add all users of an app to the same tailnet (they have to explicitly create a Tailscale account and sign in and share and join) - AFAIK.

Re: Syncthing: A continuous file synchronization program

#18

While SyncThjng might be encrypted, it’s yet another port or server that’s open. We need ubiquitous private networks, such as wire guard, zerotier, or the buggy back-to-my-mac.

If you use wireguard or something similar that gives every client their own private and encrypted IP then you don't really need syncthing. You can just use rclone or even rsync commands that point directly at the appropriate client IP in the mesh network. Syncthing is still useful though for its continuous syncing support and overall UI.

Re: Syncthing: A continuous file synchronization program

#19
post #6

Syncthing is excellent. I’ve used it for years to keep my development folders synced between mac, linux and windows, and except for some initial figuring out of ignore patterns and the occasional hiccup with filenames that windows can’t handle it has been great at doing what it needs to and getting out of my way. (I of course also use git, but syncthing lets me choose when I push while still having all my work on all…

i always heard it fucks up with git repos?

I have an entire folder dedicated to various git repos...only thing it doesn't like (so far...) is some compilation artifacts. IDK why.
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