RSYNC and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) are both common ways to secure file transfers, but they operate differently and serve distinct purposes. Let’s outline their main characteristics, upsides, as well as potential downfalls.
RSYNC, or Remote Sync, is a utility software designed for Unix-based systems, used to synchronise and transfer files between different locations. It’s primarily beneficial for its delta-transfer algorithm, which reduces the amount of data sent across the network by only transmitting the differences between the source and the destination files, therefore saving on resources (RSYNC MANUAL, rsync.samba.org). For instance, if you have shifted only a small portion of a large index in your file, RSYNC would send over just the discrete alterations, not the entire file. Moreover, RSYNC also allows recursive directory backups, preserving file parameters such as timestamps and symbolic links (Linux Man Pages, linux.die.net).
On the other hand, SFTP is a network protocol that enables secure file transfer. It isn’t just FTP packed over SSH, but rather an individual protocol akin to SCP and is part of the SSH suite (SSH – The Definitive Guide, O’Reilly Media). SFTP excels in its security features such as authentication and data integrity. Unlike RSYNC, it doesn’t merely copy files, it also enables a broad range of operations on remote files: listing, testing, removing, etc. However, it typically needs more computational resources to function than RSYNC (SSH.COM).
The main difference between the two methods is their functionality. RSYNC is better-suited for synchronizing or backing up directories or systems and shines in terms of network efficiency, while SFTP is focused on secure file transfer, offering elevated security and versatility with file and system operations.
Additionally, It’s important to note that, while RSYNC transfers only altered parts of the files, which is beneficial in the case of repeated synchronizations of the same data, it first requires the full file at the target location. SFTP does not have the same dependency, so it may be more convenient for a one-time transfer of a large number of data.
In conclusion, depending on your requirements, both RSYNC and SFTP can be advantageous. For efficient and regular backups, RSYNC would be the go-to option, whereas, for secure and flexible file transfer, SFTP would be more appropriate. Choosing between the two would, therefore, boil down to the specific needs and context of your situation.
Sources:
(1) RSYNC MANUAL: https://rsync.samba.org/documentation.html
(2) Linux Man Pages: https://linux.die.net/man/1/rsync
(3) SSH – The Definitive Guide, O’Reilly Media
(4) SSH.COM: https://www.ssh.com/ssh/sftp/
