SimpleSync
Real-time file synchronization between multiple VS Code instances on the same local network. No internet connection, accounts, or complex configuration required.
Why SimpleSync?
SimpleSync is designed for developers who need to mirror their workspace across two machines (e.g., a desktop and a laptop) in real time without relying on cloud services or Git commits. It is ideal for pair programming, testing on different hardware, or maintaining a live secondary display of your code.
Installation
From Marketplace
Search for "SimpleSync" in the VS Code Extensions view and click Install.
Manual VSIX Installation
In environments where the Marketplace is blocked:
- Download the latest
simplesync-x.x.x.vsix file.
- Open VS Code.
- Open the Extensions view (
Ctrl+Shift+X).
- Click the "..." (Views and More Actions) menu in the top right.
- Select Install from VSIX... and choose the downloaded file.
Usage
1. Start Syncing
- Broadcaster: Open the folder you want to share. Right-click the folder in the Explorer or use the command
SimpleSync: Start Broadcasting.
- Receiver: On the second machine, run
SimpleSync: Connect to Session. Select the discovered session from the list.
2. Pushing Changes Back
If you are a Receiver and want to send your local changes back to the Broadcaster, right-click any file in the Explorer and select SimpleSync: Push Changes Back.
Commands
| Command |
Description |
SimpleSync: Start Broadcasting |
Starts a new session to share the current workspace. |
SimpleSync: Connect to Session |
Searches for active broadcasts on the LAN and connects. |
SimpleSync: Connect Manually (IP:Port) |
Connects to a broadcaster using a specific IP address and port. |
SimpleSync: Stop Broadcasting |
Ends the current broadcasting session. |
SimpleSync: Disconnect |
Disconnects from the current session (Receiver mode). |
SimpleSync: Push Changes Back |
Sends all local modifications from the Receiver back to the Broadcaster. |
The SimpleSync panel in the Activity Bar provides real-time visibility:
- Session: Shows if you are Broadcasting or Receiving, the session name, and the connection address.
- Peers: Lists the IP addresses of all currently connected machines.
- Activity Log: A live feed of the last 20 events (files synced, conflicts detected, connections).
Conflict Resolution
SimpleSync prioritizes the Broadcaster as the source of truth. If a Receiver modifies a file locally that the Broadcaster then updates, sync will pause for that file and prompt the user:
- Keep Mine: Ignore the incoming change and keep the local version.
- Accept Incoming: Overwrite the local version with the Broadcaster's version.
- Compare: Open the VS Code Diff Editor to manually inspect and merge changes.
Sync Rules
| Syncs |
Never Syncs |
| All text files within the workspace root |
.git/ folder and its contents |
| New file creations and deletions |
node_modules/ |
| Subdirectories (recursive) |
Files larger than 5MB |
.simplesyncignore patterns |
Binary files (images, executables) |
Requirements
- All machines must be on the same local subnet.
- Firewall must allow UDP (for mDNS discovery) and the TCP port assigned during broadcasting (visible in the sidebar).
Troubleshooting
- Session not discovered: Ensure both machines are on the same Wi-Fi/LAN. Try
Connect Manually using the IP and port shown on the Broadcaster's status bar.
- Connection timed out: Check if a firewall is blocking VS Code or the specific port.
- Files not syncing: Verify the file is not in
.gitignore or larger than 5MB.
Privacy
SimpleSync operates entirely within your local network. No code, metadata, or usage statistics are ever sent to external servers or third-party services.
