filesystemdist

filesystemdist is a command-line utility designed to synchronize the contents of two directories. It operates by comparing the files and subdirectories within a source directory against a target directory and then copying or removing files in the target to match the source. This makes it useful for tasks such as backups, mirroring directories, or distributing files across multiple locations.

The core functionality of filesystemdist involves identifying differences between the two directory structures. It typically performs checks based on file names, sizes, and modification times. Files that exist in the source but not in the target are copied. Files that exist in the target but not in the source are usually removed, though options may exist to preserve them. Files that exist in both locations but have different content (indicated by size or modification time differences) are updated in the target to match the source.

filesystemdist can be configured with various options to control its behavior. These might include options to perform a dry run, which simulates the synchronization process without making any actual changes, or options to exclude specific files or directories from the synchronization. The tool is often used in scripting for automated tasks, allowing for regular updates of critical data or the deployment of new software versions. Its simplicity and focus on directory content comparison make it a straightforward tool for maintaining directory consistency.