Backup – How to Back Up One Big File with Small Changes

backup

If a set of files (several GBs big each) and each changes slightly every day (at random places, not only information appended at the end), how can it be copied efficiently? I mean, in the sense that only changed parts are updated, and not the whole files. That would mean the difference between copying some Kb here and there or some GBs.

Best Answer

The rsync program does exactly that. From the man page:

It is famous for its delta-transfer algorithm, which reduces the amount of data sent over the network by sending only the differences between the source files and the existing files in the destination. Rsync is widely used for backups and mirroring and as an improved copy command for everyday use.

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