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Asked: 2024-09-24T11:27:15+05:30 In:

What are some ways to display a progress indicator while using rsync for file transfers on a Linux system?

I’ve been diving into using `rsync` for transferring files on my Linux system, and while the command works like a charm, I find myself constantly wondering how much progress is actually being made during the transfer. You know that feeling when you start a big file transfer and you’re just kind of staring at the screen, waiting for it to finish, like, “Am I done yet?” It would be fantastic if there were some easy ways to get a visual or textual progress indicator.

I’ve seen a few options out there, but they feel either too complicated or just not well-explained. For instance, I’ve heard that using the `–progress` flag can show the current progress of each file, which is cool, but I want to know how much total data has been transferred too—like a more overarching view.

Then, I stumbled across the idea of using tools like `pv` (Pipe Viewer) with `rsync`. I get that it can help display the current transfer rate, but I’m not quite sure how to set it up properly. Is it as simple as piping `rsync` into `pv`, or am I missing something?

I also read something about the `–info=progress2` option that could give a cumulative progress report instead of just what’s happening with individual files. Has anyone given that a shot? I think it would be helpful to show a little more context on the overall transfer.

And while we’re at it, are there any other cool scripts or tricks that you’ve come across to simplify monitoring `rsync` transfers? Anything that makes you go, “Wow, why didn’t I think of that?”

Would love to hear what has worked for you all. Are there specific commands or setups you’ve had success with? I’m all ears for any tips, tricks, or even horror stories that might help make my `rsync` experience a little less suspenseful and a lot more transparent!

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    2 Answers


    1. To enhance your experience with rsync and monitor progress during file transfers, you have a couple of convenient options. The --progress flag does indeed provide a detailed view of the transfer for each file, showing information such as the percentage completed and the speed of transfer. If you’re seeking a higher-level overview of the total data transferred, you can use the --info=progress2 option. This flag not only provides individual file progress but also includes a cumulative progress report, giving you an ongoing look at how much data has been transferred in total. It’s a great way to alleviate the suspense of wondering if the transfer is nearing completion.

      Integrating pv (Pipe Viewer) with rsync is another excellent method to visualize your data transfer. To set this up, you can indeed pipe rsync through pv. The basic command structure looks like this: rsync -a source/ destination/ | pv -s $(du -sb source | awk '{print $1}'). Here, -s in pv specifies the total size of the incoming data, allowing pv to provide an accurate progress visualization. While both methods work well, using pv can give you an additional visual representation of the transfer rate and estimated time remaining. There are also various scripts available in the community that automate this process or combine these functionalities, which can further simplify monitoring your rsync operations.


    2. Using rsync for file transfers can feel a bit like watching paint dry, especially when you’re left in the dark about how much progress is actually being made. Luckily, there are some great ways to peek behind the curtain!

      1. Using --progress Flag

      First off, you can use the --progress flag with your rsync command. This will give you a neat display of the current progress for each file being transferred. It won’t show the total transfer progress, but you can see how much more there is to go for the individual files.

      2. Cumulative Progress with --info=progress2

      If you want to see an overall view of what’s going on, try using --info=progress2. This option gives a cumulative report of the whole transfer, which is super helpful for understanding the overall progress. You can combine it with --progress too, just to keep an eye on individual files if you want.

      3. Cool Tool: pv (Pipe Viewer)

      Now, if you want a real-time view of the transfer rate and overall progress, pv is your friend! Here’s how you can set it up:

      rsync -av --progress source/ destination/ | pv -s $(du -sb source/ | awk '{print $1}')

      This command pipes the output of rsync into pv, where -s specifies the total size, which pv uses to show the progress. Just replace source/ and destination/ with your actual paths.

      4. Scripts or Tricks

      There are also various scripts you can find online that automate some of this, or provide a UI for monitoring transfers. Some even log progress to a file or give you notifications when they’re done. It’s a bit of a treasure hunt to find the perfect one, but they can certainly save you some hassle.

      In Summary

      So, whether it’s using flags like --progress and --info=progress2 or peppering in pv, there are definitely ways to make your rsync experience feel less like a waiting game. Give these options a shot and see what works best for you. Good luck, and happy syncing!

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