rdiff-backup

Backup directory

$ rdiff-backup [source/] [backup/]

$ rdiff-backup [source/] [user@host::backup/]

$ rdiff-backup -r now [backup/] [restore/]

$ rdiff-backup -r [3D] [backup/] [restore/]

$ rdiff-backup --list-increments [backup/]

$ rdiff-backup --remove-older-than [2W] [backup/]

$ rdiff-backup --verify [backup/]

rdiff-backup [-r time] [options] source destination

rdiff-backup creates incremental backups using reverse diffs. The destination mirrors current state while storing history.
Each backup stores only differences from previous. Space-efficient for frequent backups.
Restoration from any point in history is possible. Diffs are applied to reconstruct old states.
Remote backup works over SSH. No special server needed, just rdiff-backup on both ends.
Retention policies remove old increments. Balance history depth against storage.

-r, --restore-as-of TIME

Restore from time.

Show backup history.

Delete old increments.

Verify backup integrity.

Include files.

Exclude files.

Verbosity level.

Force operation.

now - Current
3D - 3 days ago
2W - 2 weeks ago
1M - 1 month ago
2024-01-15 - Specific date

Requires rdiff-backup on remote. Large initial backup. Metadata changes trigger updates.

rdiff-backup combines rsync-style mirroring with reverse-diff versioning. It provides space-efficient incremental backup while maintaining easy restoration.

rsync(1), borgbackup(1), duplicity(1)