I like to install a syncthing synchronisation between three devices:
Windows 10 computer
Android smartphone
NAS
Many folders are already existing on all three devices.
Unfortunately some folders are only “more or less identical”.
My question:
Can I start 2-way synchronisations between existing folders which contains files (f.e. between my computer and my smartphone)
without running into problems?
Or is it recommended to start 2-way synchronisations between one folder with files and on the other side an empty folder?
(which would give a lot preparation work for me…)
It is a very basic question, probably there are already answers. Unfortunately I did not find them… a link with the answer is enough.
Generally yes, however Syncthing will treat different files with the same name under the same path as conflicts and rename one of them as described at https://docs.syncthing.net/users/syncing.html#conflicting-changes. If there are a lot of such files, then you will require to do quite a bit of manual cleanup after the first synchronisation.
If the files differ only in their modified timestamps, then they will be updated to the newest one. This may or not be important depending on whether you want to retain those.
The last case is when the files differ in case only. Then, you will need to manually rename them to match on both sides in order to be able to sync them.
One more point, when two files with identical content, but slightly different names (e.g. typo fixed on one replica only) exist on the devices, all devices will end up with both file names. However, identical contents will be copied locally instead off being pulled over the network again.
I installed 2-way synchronisation from smartphone to computer (win10) with existing files in both folders.
It works super!
I tried many “solutions” in the last few weeks for finding reliable automatic synchronisations and backups for folders and files from my smartphone to my computer and nas.
(myPhoneExplorer, samsung smart switch, copy and paste via cable connection, sync with several synchronisation software, synology drive, acronis mobile, etc.). All these solutions were giving me more headache than fun (acronis mobile was the worst).
(only) Syncthing is working reliable.
I am very happy that I found Syncthing.
Finally I have now smooth and automatic synchronisations and backups.
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P.S.
Before I tried only a 1-way synchronisation with syncthing, but all existing files in (in “receive only”) went directly into the /.stversions folder, even folder and files which are absolute identical)
Disadvantages :
Syncthing is a bit complicated and definitely not for “only-user”. My wife and my kids f.e. will never be able to install and adjust syncthing.
And on my synology nas I really miss “multi user functionality”.
It would be nice if the developers improve usability as well as multi-user functionality for synology nas in the future.
My wife and kids also are not too technical. But I setup syncthing and shared a few folder on their computers and phones and it works great for them. They can certainly understand the concept of how it works. It’s a great tool for our whole family. Even if I’m the one that needs to do the configuration.
