Setup and Review of SyncThing, The Open Source File synchronization tool

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on setting up and using SyncThing, an open-source, decentralized file synchronization tool. SyncThing allows you to sync files between devices over a local network or the internet without requiring a central server. This guide will walk you through the installation process, configuration, and basic usage to help you get started effectively.

Step 1: Download and Install SyncThing

1. Visit the official SyncThing website to download the latest version for your operating system (available for Linux, Windows, Mac, and Android).
2. Install the application by following the prompts specific to your operating system.

Step 2: Launch SyncThing

1. After installation, run SyncThing.
2. A web interface will automatically open in your browser, typically at http://localhost:8384.

Step 3: Basic Configuration

1. Setting Up Device Name:

   • The default name is pulled from your computer's name. You can change it in the settings if desired.

2. Configure Folder Sharing:

   • SyncThing generates a unique folder ID for each shared folder. You can label it as you wish but keep the ID unique.
   • Choose the folder path you want to sync and set the scanning interval (default is 60 seconds).
   • Define whether the folder is a normal or master folder:
     • Normal: Changes sync both ways.
     • Master: Changes only propagate to connected devices.

3. Versioning Options:

   • Select a versioning method for file changes:
     • Staggered Versioning: Keeps incremental changes for a specified number of days.
     • Trashcan Versioning: Deleted files are moved to a trashcan.
     • Simple Versioning: Keeps a set number of past versions.
   • Adjust settings as needed and save.

Step 4: Add Devices for Synchronization

1. Obtain the Device ID from the SyncThing interface of the device you want to connect.
2. On the device you want to add:
   • Go to the “Add Device” section and enter the Device ID.
   • Configure sharing options for folders.
3. Allow SyncThing to discover devices via the default discovery servers, or specify custom settings if needed.

Step 5: Monitor Sync Status

1. SyncThing will show the sync status of connected devices.
2. You can force a rescan if you want to check for updates immediately.
3. Be aware that it may take some time for devices to fully sync after adding.

Step 6: Managing File Conflicts

1. If two devices make changes to the same file simultaneously, SyncThing will create a conflict version.
2. You can view and manage these conflicts in the interface.
3. All versions of files, including conflicts, are saved in a designated folder (e.g., .stversions).

Step 7: Advanced Configuration (Optional)

1. For headless servers or more advanced setups, you can edit the config.xml file directly:
   • For Linux: ~/.config/syncthing/config.xml
   • For Windows: C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\SyncThing\config.xml
2. Here, you can set specific IP addresses, rate limits, and other advanced options.

Conclusion

SyncThing is a powerful tool for file synchronization without the need for a central server. By following these steps, you can effectively set up and configure SyncThing to keep your files synced across multiple devices. For further exploration, consider diving deeper into advanced configurations or exploring additional features in future tutorials. Enjoy seamless file synchronization!