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The Process

The process of synchronization is very straightforward. Two independent folders, known as targets, are analyzed for their file contents. These contents are then compared to each other and the synchronizer determines what needs to be done to make both target folders identical.

In some cases, a file may exist in one target but not the other. This file will thus need to be copied in order to make the targets identical to each other. In other cases, a file may exist in both targets, but is more recently modified than the other. The more recent file will then need to be copied in order to bring both targets up-to-date. In rarer cases, a file may have been modified in both targets. This is determined by comparing their modification date to the date and time of the last successful synchronization. This case is known as a conflict, and ChronoSync will ask you which file is the 'real' one.

The above process describes a complete, bi-directional synchronization between two targets. ChronoSync also allows an unbalanced, unidirectional synchronization to be performed. This is more common when ChronoSync is tasked with maintaining duplicate copies of files for redundancy or backup purposes. The setting that controls this behavior is called "Synchronizing Direction".

To use ChronoSync, your targets are specified in the Targets Tab Panel. We use the terminology "Local" and "Remote" to identify the targets. It's important to note that this is just identifying terminology and that either or neither target can be locally stored on your computer. Some people prefer the terms 'left' and 'right' targets, which, not-so-coincidentally, have the same initials as 'local' and 'remote'.

Once the targets have been set, all you need to do is choose the desired synchronizing direction in the Options drawer and click "Synchronize". Of course, ChronoSync has a sophisticated rule base and analysis tools that allow you to fine tune and interact with your synchronization. These tools, though, do not need to be used for basic synchronization tasks.



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