What Is Sync
In order to answer the question, it is important to understand that not all devices, such as mp3 players, tablets, or laptops operate on the same data storing system. Consequentially the different operating systems of the electronic devices do not enable access to files and the ability to transfer them without the proper synchronizing software. Therefore, in order to make the modification of a file or directory visible on several devices with a single operation, the software applications need to sync them. In essence, that is the short answer to the question, ‘what is sync?’ For the purposes of better understanding the concept, you should consider the following examples designated for the synchronization of different devices.
What is sync for smartphones?
Synchronization of smartphones with the desktop or laptop computer is mainly done for the purpose of transferring music, videos or pictures between the two devices. There are two methods of doing this, based on the connectivity available: Bluetooth or USB cable. In order to sync a smartphone with a Windows based computer you will first need to connect them via the USB cable or, alternatively, via the Bluetooth.
The default software used by Windows for sync purposes is Media Player. However, some phones come equipped with their own sync software, designed for that particular phone generation. Assuming you are using the default software, all you need to do in order to sync the devices for media transfer is open the Windows Media Player and click on the sync button.
What is sync for computers?
Sync for computers is basically similar, but is used for other purposes than media files transfer. For instance, synchronizing two folders located on different computers within a network, or even on the internet, enables two different users to access and modify them simultaneously. Therefore, instead of creating different files and merging them, you can simply sync two of them and make that certain directory the result of joined effort.
Moreover, the sync software can be used to make backups for the files on a different workstation, in order to avoid losing data due to hardware malfunctions. At this point it is important to note that some sync software does not enable modifying files in different locations simultaneously and the attempt to do so will cause a conflict.
What method does sync software use to determine change in a file?
In order to understand what is sync even more, you need to know how the change to the files occurs. Standard practice in sync algorithms is to consider that once the size of a particular file has changed, so did the content. Since the two files are synchronized, the file that has been modified by the user at one end of the network will replace the one that did not change.
However, this transfer occurs almost instantly, especially when the file in question is particularly large. In addition, new sync software enables you to synchronize several files and folders with each other, instead of just two. Consequentially, this opens up a world of possibilities in file editing and transfer.