rsync Backups and Directory Renaming, a Solution

Most rsync users will eventually confront this shortcoming. When renaming a directory tree on the sending side, rsync will copy the whole tree, then delete the old one on the receiving side.

Here is what my reasearch has given:

• « Your best bet is simply put up with it. Sorry. »
• This interesting solution involves hidden metadata files and bash scripts. I would look into this if I were renaming large directories often.
• This discussion brings up even more complex ideas and pointers to patches for rsync support for renamed directories. tl;dr.

Now, suppose you want to perform a backup which includes such a renamed directory and this problem is unlikely to be recurring, thus does not justify much research and development. Here is what I propose:

1. cp -la instead of mv;
2. Add the --hard-links (or -H) switch to your recurring rsync job;
3. Wait for tail -F /var/log/crond.log | grep backup;
4. rm -rf
5. Repeat #2 and #3.

There. Nothing of value was wasted.

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