What are the differences between rsync and scp?

What are the differences between rsync and scp?

Rsync and SCP are both used for transferring files, but they have different features. Rsync is more efficient for syncing files because it only transfers the differences between source and destination. SCP, on the other hand, is simpler and transfers files over SSH without any synchronization capabilities.

Which one is faster for large files?

Rsync is generally faster for large files, especially if you are transferring them multiple times. It only sends the parts of the file that have changed, while SCP transfers the entire file each time.

Can I use rsync over SSH?

Yes, you can use rsync over SSH by specifying the SSH protocol in the command. This adds an extra layer of security to your file transfers.

Are there any limitations to using rsync?

One limitation of rsync is that it may not be as straightforward to use for simple file transfers compared to SCP. Additionally, it requires both the source and destination to have rsync installed.

When should I choose SCP over rsync?

You might choose SCP over rsync for one-time file transfers where you don't need synchronization or for simpler use cases where ease of use is a priority.