Can SCP replace rsync on Linux
In Linux systems,scpandrsyncThey are all file transfer tools based on the SSH protocol, but their core functions and applicable scenarios are significantly different.Can it be usedscpComplete replacementrsync, depending on your specific needs。
The following is a comparison analysis of the two:
1. Core Function Differences
| characteristic | scp | rsync |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission method | Full transmission (copy the entire file each time) | Incremental transmission (transfer only the difference part) |
| Bandwidth efficiency | Low (repeated transfers without modification) | High (skip unmodified content, suitable for large files/frequency synchronization) |
| Breakpoint continuous transmission | Not supported | Support (--partial or --append option) |
| File attributes reserved | Basic permissions and modification time | Fully retain permissions, time, symbolic links and other metadata |
| Filter/exclude files | Not supported | Support (--exclude or --include rules) |
| Compressed transmission | Optional (-C option) | Enable compression by default (-z can be turned off) |
| Directory synchronization | Just a simple copy | Support directory difference comparison and intelligent synchronization |
2. When to choose scp?
- Simple scene: Occasionally transfer a small number of files without the need to retain complex properties.
-
Quick operation: Temporarily copy a single file, the command is simple and easy to remember (
scp file user@host:/path）。 -
Compatibility requirements: Some old systems may not be preinstalled
rsync,butscpAlmost universally available.
3. When must rsync be used?
- Frequent synchronization: Regularly back up or synchronize a large number of files (such as logs, code bases).
- Large file/low speed network: Transfer only different content, saving time and bandwidth.
- Retain metadata: File permissions, symbolic links, timestamps, etc. must be maintained.
-
Complex filtering: Exclude temporary files (such as
--exclude="*.tmp") or selective synchronization. - Interrupt recovery: The network is interrupted when transferring large files, and the transmission can be continued instead of restarting.
4. Example comparison
usescpCopy the directory:
scp -r /local/dir user@remote:/path/
usersyncIncremental synchronization directory (retaining attributes, compressing transmission, excluding cached files):
rsync -avz --exclude='*.cache' /local/dir/ user@remote:/path/
Summarize
- An alternative scenario: Single simple file transfer, and no special requirements for efficiency and metadata.
-
Irresistible scenes: When incremental synchronization, breakpoint continuous transmission, complex filtering or retaining complete metadata,
rsyncIrreplaceable.
WillscpConsidered as a "quick copy tool", andrsyncAs a "professional synchronization tool".
The above is personal experience. I hope you can give you a reference and I hope you can support me more.