Synkron

Synkron Software Review

Synkron is a multi-platform folder synchronization application that, despite being discontinued, offers a compelling set of features for users needing to keep multiple directories in sync. Built using the Qt framework, it provides compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux, a significant advantage for users operating in mixed environments. At its core, Synkron excels at synchronizing folders. It moves beyond simple two-folder syncing by supporting multi-way synchronization. This capability is particularly useful for scenarios where you need to keep several folders, perhaps on different drives or even remote locations like an FTP server or Amazon S3, consistently updated with the same set of files. The inclusion of support for these remote locations is a key differentiator for Synkron, extending its utility beyond local file management. Synkron offers various synchronization modes to suit different needs. One-way synchronization is useful for creating backups or mirroring content. Two-way synchronization ensures that changes in either folder are reflected in the other, keeping both directories in sync. The mirror backup option is a more aggressive form of one-way sync, ensuring the destination is an exact replica of the source by deleting files in the destination that are not present in the source. The ability to configure multiple profiles allows users to set up and save different synchronization tasks for various purposes, a convenient feature for managing complex synchronization needs. Filtering options are available to refine the synchronization process. Users can exclude specific file types, folders, or files based on criteria like size or modification date. This allows for more granular control over what is synchronized, which can be important for performance and managing storage space. Automation is possible through the scheduling feature. You can set up synchronization tasks to run at specific times or intervals, ensuring your folders are kept in sync without manual intervention. For advanced users or those looking to integrate synchronization into scripts, Synkron also offers command-line support. The interface of Synkron is functional and follows a traditional application layout. While it may appear somewhat dated compared to modern software, it is generally straightforward to navigate. Key features are accessible through tabs, and configuring synchronization tasks involves selecting folders, choosing synchronization modes, and setting up filters or schedules. One notable technical inclusion is support for Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) on Windows. This ensures that files that are open or in use during the synchronization or backup process can be accessed and copied without errors, a critical feature for maintaining data integrity. Despite its discontinuation, Synkron remains a stable application for its core purpose. However, users should be aware that there will be no further updates or official support. This means potential issues or compatibility problems with future operating system versions or remote service changes may not be addressed. The lack of continuous development also means it will not benefit from new features or optimizations that might be found in actively developed synchronization software. In summary, Synktron provides a feature-rich, multi-platform solution for folder synchronization and backup. Its support for multi-way sync, remote locations like FTP and Amazon S3, scheduling, and filtering make it a versatile tool. While the interface is not the most modern and the project is no longer actively maintained, its core functionality is solid, and it can still be a valuable tool for users seeking a free and open-source synchronization application with a wide range of capabilities.