Syncthing has totally got me as a software. Every day I find new ways it helps increase my productivity. It started with a synchronized folder with password files made by KeePassXC between my phone and the notebook. Then I went on by synchronizing my photos folder. Apart from the possibility to not use Google Photos for this purpose, it helped me to finally kickstart my habit of selling stuff I do not need.
This setup worked for me for some time, until I have realized it is a good idea to have some other always-on device that makes sure that I do not lose my data with during an accident. So I went on and set-up Raspberry Pi with file versioning enabled to harden the whole thing. It is worth noting, that my current settings required every single synchronized folder to be manually accepted on the Pi. This Pi is used for other backup tasks, so I can definitely say it was worth the effort.
I few days ago, when doing phone factory reset I lost my SMS. I decided this should not happen to me again. So I wen on and added another sync folder for the SMS files.
My static site generation (SSG) for this blog does not have static assets entirely solved out yet, but it is getting there. Until then I decided to insert at least some pictures into the blog posts. Writing the post yesterday I needed to insert the screenshot into the post. Another sync folder. By now, it might becoming obvious where the I am heading.
Synchronizing Markdown files
The breaking point was today, when I wanted to write down some stuff to buy I did not want to forget. Previously, I used Google Keep for this purpose for mainly for two reasons. Firstly, I could access is swiftly either from the computer (writing) or from the phone, when on the go (writing) or when in the actual shop (reading, marking off). Secondly, the Keep notes are a collaborative document in a real time, meaning my girlfriend could do everything on the shopping list I could do. Very convenient.
But as she now has iPhone again and we are both trying to reduce our dependence on the Google services, this option has become less accessible. Not to mention I did not have it installed since the factory reset as I have realized today.
This made me start looking for a solution on the F-Droid that could become the replacement and found Markor, a Markdown editor that stores the files locally and even has the compatibility with Syncthing mentioned in it's description.
While setting up just another folder and clicking Accept on both the computer and the Pi I the idea struck me. An epiphany. Why not sync the entire phone's internal storage? It took me just a few minutes to test that.
As soon as I could confirm that it is in fact possible, I felt relieved. Now any app that stores the files locally in the phone is my friend. I do not need to do any additional setup for the new folders. I am sure I will find more unexpected positive scenarios stemming up from this configuration in the future.
This is a 7th post of #100daystooffload.