mirror of
https://github.com/octoleo/syncthing.git
synced 2024-11-05 21:07:58 +00:00
84 lines
3.4 KiB
Markdown
84 lines
3.4 KiB
Markdown
# The Syncthing Goals
|
|
|
|
Syncthing is a **continuous file synchronization program**. It synchronizes
|
|
files between two or more computers. We strive to fulfill the goals below.
|
|
The goals are listed in order of importance, the most important one being
|
|
the first.
|
|
|
|
> "Syncing files" here is precise. It means we specifically exclude things
|
|
> that are not files - calendar items, instant messages, and so on. If those
|
|
> are in fact stored as files on disk, they can of course be synced as
|
|
> files.
|
|
|
|
Syncthing should be:
|
|
|
|
### 1. Safe From Data Loss
|
|
|
|
Protecting the user's data is paramount. We take every reasonable precaution
|
|
to avoid corrupting the user's files.
|
|
|
|
> This is the overriding goal, without which synchronizing files becomes
|
|
> pointless. This means that we do not make unsafe trade offs for the sake
|
|
> of performance or, in some cases, even usability.
|
|
|
|
### 2. Secure Against Attackers
|
|
|
|
Again, protecting the user's data is paramount. Regardless of our other
|
|
goals we must never allow the user's data to be susceptible to eavesdropping
|
|
or modification by unauthorized parties.
|
|
|
|
> This should be understood in context. It is not necessarily reasonable to
|
|
> expect Syncthing to be resistant against well equipped state level
|
|
> attackers. We will however do our best. Note also that this is different
|
|
> from anonymity which is not, currently, a goal.
|
|
|
|
### 3. Easy to Use
|
|
|
|
Syncthing should be approachable, understandable and inclusive.
|
|
|
|
> Complex concepts and maths form the base of Syncthing's functionality.
|
|
> This should nonetheless be abstracted or hidden to a degree where
|
|
> Syncthing is usable by the general public.
|
|
|
|
### 4. Automatic
|
|
|
|
User interaction should be required only when absolutely necessary.
|
|
|
|
> Specifically this means that changes to files are picked up without
|
|
> prompting, conflicts are resolved without prompting and connections are
|
|
> maintained without prompting. We only prompt the user when it is required
|
|
> to fulfill one of the (overriding) Secure, Safe or Easy goals.
|
|
|
|
### 5. Universally Available
|
|
|
|
Syncthing should run on every common computer. We are mindful that the
|
|
latest technology is not always available to any given individual.
|
|
|
|
> Computers include desktops, laptops, servers, virtual machines, small
|
|
> general purpose computers such as Raspberry Pis and, *where possible*,
|
|
> tablets and phones. NAS appliances, toasters, cars, firearms, thermostats
|
|
> and so on may include computing capabitilies but it is not our goal for
|
|
> Syncthing to run smoothly on these devices.
|
|
|
|
### 6. For Individuals
|
|
|
|
Syncthing is primarily about empowering the individual user with safe,
|
|
secure and easy to use file synchronization.
|
|
|
|
> We acknowledge that it's also useful in an enterprise setting and include
|
|
> functionality to support that. If this is in conflict with the
|
|
> requirements of the individual, those will however take priority.
|
|
|
|
### 7. Everything Else
|
|
|
|
There are many things we care about that don't make it on to the list. It is
|
|
fine to optimize for these values as well, as long as they are not in
|
|
conflict with the stated goals above.
|
|
|
|
> For example, performance is a thing we care about. We just don't care more
|
|
> about it than safety, security, etc. Maintainability of the code base and
|
|
> providing entertainment value for the maintainers are also things that
|
|
> matter. It is understood that there are aspects of Syncthing that are
|
|
> suboptimal or even in opposition with the goals above. However, we
|
|
> continuously strive to align Syncthing more and more with these goals.
|