What is File Synchronization?

File synchronization is the process of simultaneous update of computer files in two or more locations. In one-way file synchronization, also known as mirroring, updated files are copied from a source location to one or more target locations, but no files are copied back to the source location. In two-way file synchronization, updated files are copied in both directions, usually with the purpose of keeping the two locations identical to each other. File synchronization is usually used for home backups on external hard drives or updating for transport on USB flash drives. The automatic process prevents copying already identical files and thus can be faster and save much time versus a manual copy, and is less error prone.