Preview rsync changes with itemized output
Build a paste-ready command, then review its compatibility and effects before running it.
rsync -avhn --itemize-changes <path>/ /tmp/backup/Complete required fields to copy the generated command.
read-onlyno known side effects Compatibility
LinuxVerified for Linux using posix, bash, zsh syntax.
Operational knowledgereview due 2027-01-20
Requirementsrsyncrsync must be installed and available on PATH.
Version supportrsync Current supported releasesVerified for linux using posix, bash, zsh syntax; consult compatibility notes for platform-specific differences.
Expected signalssending incremental file listRepresentative successful output; values vary with the selected target and system state.
Known errorsrsync: command not foundrsync is missing or is not available on PATH.
Verifyrsync -avhn --itemize-changes {{path}}/ /tmp/backup/The output matches the expected target and exits without an error.Rollback noteNot required: this command is read-only and does not change system state.
Command breakdown
01rsyncCommandRuns the rsync stage of this one-liner.
02-avhnOptionCombines archive mode, verbose output, human-readable sizes, and a dry run.
03--itemize-changesOptionPrints a compact change code for every affected path.
04<path>/ParameterA value supplied in the Fill parameters section.
05/tmp/backup/ArgumentPasses /tmp/backup/ to rsync.
Example input
rsync -avhn --itemize-changes /var/log/ /tmp/backup/
Example output
sending incremental file list
.d..t...... ./
>f+++++++++ app.log
>f.st...... syslog
sent 182 bytes received 24 bytes 412.00 bytes/sec
Illustrative output — exact values vary by system and data.
Official sources