The Data Inventory phase is the first step of the synchronization process. ByteSync scans all Data Sources contained in the session, collects metadata, and exchanges this information securely between members when the session involves multiple participants.
Starting the Inventory
The inventory can only be started by the First Session Member (the user who created the session). A START DATA INVENTORY button appears in the synchronization window.
Other members cannot start the inventory themselves. Instead, they see a waiting message until the first member launches the process.
Inventory Phases
The Data Inventory is executed in two distinct phases:
- Local Identification
During this phase, each Session Member scans its Data Sources and produces a local listing of files and directories. Directories are traversed recursively, but symbolic links are not followed. At this stage, only partial inventories exist (basic listings without deltas or signatures). - Delta Generation
Once the listings have been exchanged between members, each Session Member calculates the deltas needed to build a complete inventory. This phase includes generating block-level signatures for the relevant files. At the end of this step, each member holds a full inventory that includes both listings and deltas.
During the Inventory
As the inventory progresses, the interface displays the current status, progress indicators, and statistics such as:
- Total files and directories identified
- Total processed volume
- Elapsed time and estimated remaining time
- Number of successful calculations and potential errors
During the data inventory process, a ABORT button is available. It allows the first session member to immediately stop the inventory across all members. This can be useful if a configuration needs to be adjusted or if the user detects that incorrect data sources have been selected.
When the button is pressed, ByteSync asks for confirmation before interrupting the process to prevent accidental cancellation.
End of the Inventory
When the inventory is complete, a summary is displayed. It includes totals for processed files, directories, and volume, as well as the number of successful calculations and any errors detected.
At the end of the process, all Session Members hold consistent and complete inventories. The next phase is Data Comparison, where differences between Data Nodes are identified.
