What is the difference between rdiff and librsync?

Question

In my project, I have to keep some files synchronized between two computers. Both rdiff and librsync seem to do the same thing. Can anyone please point me to some differences so I can choose which tool would suit me best?

Links to the docs: http://librsync.sourcefrog.net/doc/librsync.html

http://librsync.sourcefrog.net/doc/rdiff.html

http://linux.die.net/man/3/librsync

http://linux.die.net/man/1/rdiff

There maybe more docs available. These are the ones that I read.

This is about using computers, not computer *science*. Your question may be ontopic on [unix.SE]. — Raphael, Feb 18 '15 at 12:08

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Feb 18 '15 at 12:28

1

librsync is the complete package which ships rdiff command.

To use rdiff in your system you need to have librsync package installed.

answered Feb 18 '15 at 12:28

bluefoggy

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it is not true, in Debian rdiff is in a separate package. – Darek Feb 18 '15 at 12:29
@Dārayavahuštdi No, it is true. While it is a separate package, that package depends upon the librsync package. – Rörd Apr 01 '15 at 12:25

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Feb 18 '15 at 12:30

The best for your needs will be rsync, which will synchronize files from one computer to another (if you want two way sync, use unison).

You can also use tools that build around librsync, such as rdiff-backup or duplicty.

The answer to your question is that librsync is a library implementing rsync algorithm, and is used by rsync tool but also by the rdiff tool, which is somewhat lower level, i.e. you could implement rsync tool using rdiff.

What is the difference between rdiff and librsync?

2 Answers2