Syncthing 2.0.0: Synchronize files between computers – without the cloud

Syncthing has been released in version 2.0.0. The free program for file synchronization between two or more computers receives some basic updates. The most important is the change of database from LevelDB to SQLite. This should improve the administration and maintenance of the database as well as reliability in general. However, larger installations will have to be prepared for a longer migration after the update to version 2.0.0.

Users must pay attention to this when updating

Deleted entries will no longer be kept in the database forever; Syncthing will remove them after six months. This period can be configured using the --db-delete-retention-interval option. The modernized command line options are also noticeable here: as of version 2.0.0, they can only be used in the --option format. The developers have also renamed many options or merged them into subcommands. Administrators can find details under syncthing --help.

There is also a new logging format. It now relies on structured log entries and allows fine-grained configuration of the log level per package. Syncthing introduces the WARNING level between INFO and ERROR. Furthermore, INFO now offers more information, which replaces the --verbose and --logflags options that were removed instead. The default log level for all packets can be specified via --log-level, and the log level for a specific packet can be set via STTRACE.

The detection of shifted data blocks via rolling hash is no longer necessary with the new version. According to the developers, the function was of no effective benefit. Without it, the scan and sync process is faster and more efficient. In addition, several connections are now used between Syncthing 2.0 devices. By default, the software uses three: one for index data and two for file exchange. In the event of conflicts with deleted files, a delete operation can be considered a winning operation. Syncthing then moves the affected file to the conflict copies.

No more ready-made binaries for legacy systems

When Syncthing is started for the first time, a default folder is no longer created. During installation, however, users must note that the developers no longer create ready-made binaries for some systems, including the ARM version for Windows and many outdated platforms. Syncthing can also be set up via APT repository or Docker image. In addition to all these major changes, there are also a number of smaller updates and patches. Details are available in the release notes on GitHub.

Syncthing is an open-source software for the continuous synchronization of files between multiple devices. It works completely without a central server: the data is transferred directly via a peer-to-peer connection and always remains private as it is sent encrypted between the devices involved. In addition to data protection, the Syncthing developers' main goals are file security and the simplest possible automated use. Instructions for installation and use can be found here.

(fo)