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Synchronizing Storage with sync

The sync command in the ChromeOS Shell forces the system to synchronize cached writes to persistent storage. This ensures that all pending write operations are completed, reducing the risk of data loss in the event of an unexpected shutdown or crash.

Usage

Run the command without any options:

sync

This command synchronizes the file system buffers with storage devices, ensuring that all data in memory is properly written to disk.

Additional Information

  • Purpose: The sync command flushes write buffers to ensure data integrity.
  • When to Use: Typically used before performing critical operations, such as unmounting file systems, shutting down the system, or removing storage devices.

Best Practices

  1. Use Before Critical Operations

  2. Always run sync before removing external storage devices or shutting down unexpectedly.

  3. Repeat if Necessary

  4. Running sync multiple times has no adverse effects and ensures that all buffers are flushed.

The sync command is an essential tool for maintaining data integrity, especially in scenarios involving removable storage or system maintenance.