I would like to set up a backup system using rsync.

Problem is, I'm constantly changing the source directory structure, as I reorganize and acquire new files.

I can't do a simple cp or rsync, because it won't find the corresponding files in the target directory.

How can I tell rsync to look elsewhere in the target directory structure for a file that it doesn't find where it would be if source directory structure were unchanged.

I've checked the man page for relevant options, finding ..

-y, --fuzzy find similar file for basis if no dest file
--compare-dest=DIR also compare received files relative to DIR
--copy-dest=DIR ... and include copies of unchanged files

I can't quite understand whether this is even relevant ..

Suggestions? Much appreciated.

EVL

PS .. I haven't replied to those who answered my previous question because my web connection is SOO SLOWWW right now. Will respond later.

https://www.linuxquestions.org/quest...llected-35954/
rsync tutorial and advices/best practices there.

Good Luck.

It has lots of info on rsync.

Unfortunately, it doesn't tell me how to do periodic backup/sync's of a directory whose structure may change occasionally.

Maybe there's no provision for that?

Thanks.

EVL

There is no provision for it.

You'd have to find a way to calculate or predict the correct target directory structure and pass that as an environment variable to rsync