What is Syncthing?
Syncthing is a continuous file synchronization program. It synchronizes files between two or more computers in real time and is released under the Mozilla Public Licence 2.0. The source code is on GitHub, the protocol is a documented specification, and bugs are visible to anyone in the public issue tracker.
Syncthing is private by design. The project site states that none of your data is stored anywhere other than on your own computers and that there is no central server that might be compromised. All communication is secured with TLS, including perfect forward secrecy, and every device is identified by a cryptographic certificate. Only devices you have explicitly allowed can connect to your other devices.
You configure and monitor Syncthing through a web interface in your browser. It runs on macOS, Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, OpenBSD and others, and a Docker image is available. Machines are identified by an ID, so you do not need fixed IP addresses to share a folder, and it works over a LAN and over the internet. Typical uses are keeping desktops in step and backing them up to a server. Kastelo provides commercial support, while the software itself is free.
Key capabilities
- Continuous synchronization of as many folders as you need, with different people or just between your own devices.
- TLS encryption with perfect forward secrecy and certificate-based device identity.
- No central server holding your data.
- A browser-based interface for configuration and monitoring.
- Builds for macOS, Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris and OpenBSD, plus a Docker image.
- A documented open protocol and open source code.
Where Syncthing fits
Syncthing fits workflows that require files to remain synchronized across an individual's computers. Administrators can also deploy it in containers and expose synchronized folders through host-mounted storage.
Before container deployment, administrators should verify folder permissions, volume mappings, and network configuration. Docker's default network mode can interfere with local device discovery; the deployment guide recommends host networking. If the management GUI is externally reachable, authentication and TLS must be configured.
Install
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