Windows
Linux
File Management
Copy/Move
Windows robocopy /mir equivalent in Linux
Synchronizes a destination so it matches the source.
Windows
→
robocopy /mir
Linux equivalents
rsync -a --delete source/ destination/
rsync -a --delete source/ destination/
rsync -a --delete source/ destination/
Overview
What this command does
Synchronizes a destination so it matches the source.
Migration tip: Check the distro-specific rows before copying; package names and service names can differ even when the tool name is similar.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Mirror directories
Synchronizes a destination so it matches the source.
rsync -a --delete source/ destination/
Mirror directories
rsync --help
Show command help when supported
man rsync
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
rsync -a --delete source/ destination/
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: robocopy /mir
rsync -a --delete source/ destination/Reference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
rsync -a --delete source/ destination/ | Mirror directories |
rsync --help | Show command help when supported |
man rsync | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
The equivalent is shown for Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch. Some rows use a different package manager or helper tool where Linux distributions commonly diverge.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | rsync -a --delete source/ destination/ |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | rsync -a --delete source/ destination/ |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | rsync -a --delete source/ destination/ |
Same command on this distribution. |
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