The Session Settings define how ByteSync performs data inventory and comparison across all members of a synchronization session. These parameters are shared between members but can be modified only by the first member who created the session.
These settings are located in the upper part of the Synchronization Window, below the session identifiers.
Session Identification
Each synchronization session has a unique Session ID and Session Password. These credentials are automatically generated when the first member starts a session and must be shared with other members to allow them to join.
The buttons next to each field allow you to copy these values quickly to the clipboard.
Data Type
This setting defines what kind of elements will be inventoried and compared during synchronization.
- Files and directories – Both files and folders are included (default option).
- Files – Only files are inventoried and compared; directories are ignored.
- Directories – Only directory structures are inventoried and compared (useful for verifying folder trees without analyzing file contents).
Binding
This option defines how ByteSync associates items between Data Nodes for comparison:
- Relative path – Default option. Files are matched based on their relative directory path inside each Data Node.
- Name – Files are matched solely by name, regardless of their path. Useful when data sources have different structures but contain similar files.
Exclusion Options
Two checkboxes allow you to exclude specific types of files during data inventory:
- Exclude hidden files – Hidden files are ignored during the inventory.
- Exclude system files – System files are ignored as well.
Files excluded at this stage will not appear in comparison results and will not be considered for synchronization.
Analysis Mode
The Analysis Mode determines how ByteSync detects changes between files across Data Nodes. This directly impacts the Data Inventory phase.
- Smart – ByteSync calculates file signatures only when a file’s last write time or size differs between nodes. This mode offers faster analysis by avoiding unnecessary checksum calculations.
- Checksum – ByteSync performs full signature calculations for all files that exist in multiple inventories, even if their size and timestamp are identical. This ensures maximum accuracy at the cost of longer processing time.
Restarting or Leaving a Session
The Restart Session button allows the first member to reinitialize the session while keeping the same members connected. This can be useful after modifying configuration or data nodes.
The Quit Session button disconnects the current member from the session. If the first member quits, the entire session is closed.
Impact on Data Inventory
All session settings influence how data inventory operates. They determine what is scanned, how files are matched, and when ByteSync decides to compute signatures. Understanding these options is essential for accurate and efficient synchronization.
For details on the inventory process, see Data Inventory.
