Synchronization is what is it, and why is it needed?

Many of us in everyday life are faced with such a thing as "synchronization." This is what it is, and why it is needed at all, will now be considered. Looking ahead, it can be noted that almost all people know about this term, unless they justify it from a scientific point of view and do not go into the essence of the matter. For a more accurate understanding, let's turn to computer and mobile technology.

Synchronization: what's this?

To begin with, we give a brief scientific justification. If we consider modern computers or mobile devices, synchronization can be understood as a set of algorithms that allow storing certain information objects in the same state on different devices and at different time intervals, even if they change in one source.

If at least one of them is affected by the change, this affects all other related data. On the other hand, synchronization can be called mapping or using the same data on different devices at the time of communication between them.

If you look at the scope of such tools, there are several key aspects in IT-technologies:

• backup;
• Syncing accounts when connecting to the Internet;
• Synchronization of devices among themselves;
• Multiplayer games and applications.

Main types of synchronization

However, not only in computer systems you can find the term "synchronization". What is this in production? Yes, the same thing, for example, when several machines are involved in the technological process, which must perform a predetermined sequence of operations at strictly defined times. But back to computers and mobile devices.

In general, in the implementation of all these processes, there are two main types of synchronization algorithms used: one- and two-way.

The first type involves checking data on two devices, one of which is primary, and the second - a slave (for example, synchronizing Google services with a smartphone, where the server is the priority device, and the phone on which the application is installed acts as a slave). In this case, changing the settings of the same account or the backup you create, if you save it to the server, allows data to be used on all devices with the same application (for example, when you replace the smartphone with another model and log in to the service under the old login).

With two-way synchronization, several criteria are used that determine the priority device, but the user can decide on which of them the information will be changed. Accordingly, the data will be changed on the other device. For smartphones or tablets, this can be synchronized with the PC, and it does not matter where the changes will be made.

Synchronizing data on mobile devices

On mobile devices synchronization is presented in several variations. Firstly, it is connected with the accounts (accounts) used to enter certain applications or Internet services.

The simplest example is the sync of your account on Android devices when you sign in to Google Play. Note that it happens automatically when the connection is established.

Secondly, if the system includes data backup, when the copy is stored in the "cloud" storage on the remote server, applications, contacts and any other settings can be restored using a registered account on another mobile device.

Synchronize between devices

The phenomenon of synchronization can also be found when connecting a smartphone to a computer via a USB port, using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

To change objects stored on internal and external media, you do not need to install special applications. For operations with files and folders, the usual "Windows Explorer" or any other file manager is suitable.

If you want to gain control over the settings or provide access to the list of contacts, you need some program to synchronize (Samsung Kies, Sony PC Companion, MyPhoneExplorer, Nokia PC Suite, iTunes and others).

Backup

Now one more look at the term "synchronization". What is this in terms of backup? In fact, here, too, is meant the process of simultaneous data modification with subsequent preservation. But there can be two options. For example, on a computer, a copy can be stored in a dedicated disk partition, or it can use cloud storage.

That in the first, that in the second case synchronization occurs simultaneously, but for using the "cloud" the main condition is the availability of an uninterrupted Internet connection, and when saving a backup copy on the hard drive, additional disk space is used. However, what exactly to prefer, everyone decides for himself.

In any case, you can make a backup and the means of the system, and with the help of special programs. However, in order to obtain a simultaneous data change, you will need to select the appropriate criteria (for example, creating dynamic partitions to increase the volume if there is not enough space). In this respect, "cloud" technologies look more attractive, however, for such storage facilities, limits on the use of free disk space without payment are often set.

Why do I need to set up synchronization in multi-player games and applications?

Finally, one more aspect. It's no secret that modern computer games allow you to use command modes of passage. Remember at least the first championships in Counter Strike or Quake.

Here, synchronization occurs between several terminals, behind which are the players of opposing teams. In addition, here you can see not only the synchronization of actions in the game itself, but also the connection between the players. Thanks to the appearance of specialized software products like TeamViewer, players were able to organize their actions through orders or the coordination of movement.

And here we are not talking, let's say, about creating and demonstrating presentations, when remote access is required, or banking operations.

Conclusion

It remains to add that this is far from all situations in which one can find the manifestation of synchronization processes. Here, only the main aspects concerning computer technologies were considered, and the very concept of this process is much broader. And in general, even in the organization of public life or sports such technologies are used every day, but most of us just do not pay attention to them, although they know about this phenomenon.