What is the difference between Copy, Xcopy, and Robocopy?

Transferring files in Windows is a basic need that can be accomplished using various command-line utilities. Among these tools are XCopy and Robocopy command-line utilities. However, even seasoned Windows users can find it challenging to navigate the best application and use cases for these commands.

Let's delve into the differences between Copy, Xcopy, and Robocopy. Starting with quick definitions of Copy, Xcopy, and Robocopy, we can easily understand their availability and use cases. A quick comparison table will make it straightforward to grasp the distinctions between these three. We'll begin with the Copy command.

The term "copy" can have different meanings depending on the context. In a general sense, "copy" can refer to "replicate" or "duplicate." For instance, when you copy a piece of text on your computer, you would say "make a copy" or "copy and paste." In the realm of writing and editing, "copy" can denote "manuscript" or "text," such as "the copy for the advertisement." In business and marketing, "copy" can also pertain to the written content within an advertisement or promotional material. Furthermore, in copyright law, "copy" is associated with "copyright infringement" or "piracy," referring to the unauthorized duplication of a protected work. Thus, the precise translation of "copy" depends on its usage in a specific context.

The copy command is one of the popular commands used daily by multiple users. As the name suggests, it copies data from one location to another. Let's delve into all the details about the copy command.

Definition

This is the basic command to copy a file from one location to another, and it's available in various operating systems. Not only does it copy a file, it can also merge multiple files into one. The destination directory is where you want the copy to go, which by default is the current working directory.

The copy command can operate in text mode or binary mode. In text mode, copying stops when an EOF character is encountered; in binary mode, the entire file is read and EOF characters are ignored.

Copying files to different devices is easy. For example, type copy file con to send a file's contents to the console screen, or copy con file to save whatever you type at the console into file.

Availability of the Copy Command

It can be provided in text mode or binary mode, as shown here:

Text mode: The commands used in text mode are copy /a doc1.txt + doc2.txt doc3.txt and copy /a *.txt doc3.txt.

Binary mode: In binary mode, the command is copy /b image1.jpg + image2.jpg image3.jpg.

Copy command options

Some standard options for the copy command include:

- It was supported in Tim Paterson's SCP 86-DOS as the "copy" command. - It has been available in IBM PC DOS/MS-DOS since version 1. - In Unix, it is known as "cp". - In CP/M, the copy command was "PIP". - In Stratus OpenVOS, it resembles the "copy_file" command.

What is Xcopy?

The XCOPY command is useful for creating copies of files with specific archive attributes, regardless of their source locations. It is widely used in operating systems such as ReactDOS, FreeDOS, Microsoft Windows, IBM OS/2, MS-DOS, and IBM PC DOS.

Definition

This command is used to copy one or more files or an entire directory tree from one directory to another. It is also used to replicate files across networks. "Xcopy" stands for Extended Copy, and it was created as a powerful file copying feature similar to the "copy" command in various operating systems. It first appeared in DOS 3.2 and is now utilized in IBM PC DOS, MS-DOS, IBM OS/2, Microsoft Windows, FreeDOS, ReactDOS, and others.

Availability of the XCOPY Command

The XCOPY command can be used to:

- In Windows 10, Xcopy is present in both the desktop operating system and Microsoft Windows Server. - DR DOS 6.0 and Datalight ROM-DOS feature an "XCOPY" command, whose FreeDOS version is available under the GPL license. - There is a "XCOPY" version compatible with Wine, licensed under the LGPL.

XCOPY Command Options

Some of the options available with the XCOPY command include:

This will create a new directory by copying the contents of an existing one. It includes different subdirectories or files with hidden attributes and empty directories. The command is Xcopy e:\existing e:\newcopy /e /i /h.

Use Xcopy when the path name contains spaces. The command is: Xcopy "D:\Documents and Settings\MY.USERNAME\My Documents\ *" "E:\MYBACKUP\My Documents\" /D/E/C/Y.

You can copy all the data in a mapped network drive, ignoring errors that might occur, with the Xcopy command Xcopy *.* Z:\Netmirror /E /V /C /F /H /Y /Z 1>out.txt 2>err.txt.

It will silently copy a file from one directory or location to another. The command is cmd /c echo F | Xcopy "c:\directory 1\myfile" "c:\directory 2\myfile".

## What is Robocopy? Robocopy, short for "Robust File Copy," is a command-line tool in the Windows operating system used for copying, moving, and synchronizing files and folders in both local and network environments. Initially introduced in Windows Server 2003, it is now available in newer versions of Windows, including Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019. Robocopy is renowned for its reliability, flexibility, and extensive options. Some of its advanced features include: 1. **Multithreaded copying**: Enables simultaneous copying of multiple files for increased speed. 2. **Recursive copying of files and directories**: Copies entire directory trees and their contents. 3. **Checksum verification**: Ensures copied files match the source files. 4. **Restartability**: Can resume copying from where it left off if interrupted. 5. **Detailed logging**: Provides a comprehensive report of the copying process. 6. **Mirror mode**: Creates an exact replica of the source, deleting target files that do not exist in the source. 7. **Selective copying**: Filters which files to copy based on date, size, or other attributes. While its syntax might seem complex for beginners, Robocopy's powerful capabilities make it the preferred choice for system administrators, developers, and advanced users for bulk file handling tasks.

Also known as “Robust File Copy,” Robocopy is a file-replicating command-line directory tool in the Microsoft Windows operating system. Let's get to know Robocopy better.

Definition

Robocopy is a file copying tool with advanced options that was originally released as part of the Windows NT 4.0 Resource Kit. It is currently included in Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista. It has notable features that are not available in the built-in Windows copy command or the Xcopy command.

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It can tolerate network interruptions and assist in resuming the copy. Also, there's an easy option to skip NTFS junction points that can cause endless loop copy failures. It also preserves original timestamps, and copies file data or attributes precisely.

Robocopy (Robust File Copy) is a command-line tool in the Windows operating system used for reliably copying files and directories. Here are some examples of using Robocopy: 1. **Basic Copy**: ``` robocopy Source Destination ``` For example: `robocopy C:\Folder1 D:\Backup\Folder1` This copies all contents of `C:\Folder1` to `D:\Backup\Folder1`. 2. **Including Subdirectories**: ``` robocopy Source Destination /S ``` For example: `robocopy C:\Folder1 D:\Backup\Folder1 /S` This copies `C:\Folder1` along with its subdirectories. 3. **Including Empty Directories**: ``` robocopy Source Destination /E ``` For example: `robocopy C:\Folder1 D:\Backup\Folder1 /E` This copies empty directories as well as the content of subdirectories. 4. **Mirroring the Source Directory**: ``` robocopy Source Destination /MIR ``` For example: `robocopy C:\Folder1 D:\Backup\Folder1 /MIR` This creates a mirror of the target directory, deleting any files or directories in the target that no longer exist in the source. 5. **Excluding Specific File Types**: ``` robocopy Source Destination /EXCLUDE:filefilter.txt ``` In `filefilter.txt`, list the file extensions to exclude, such as `.txt`. 6. **Copying Only Modified Files**: ``` robocopy Source Destination /MOT:m ``` Where `m` is the time interval in minutes, e.g., `/MOT:10`, checks the source directory every 10 minutes and copies only modified files. 7. **Detailed Logging**: ``` robocopy Source Destination /LOG+:log.txt ``` This outputs detailed information about the copy process to the `log.txt` file. Adjust these example parameters according to your specific requirements.

Here are some examples of Robocopy usage:

1. Copy the contents of a directory: Use Robocopy "C:\Directory A" "C:\Directory B" /E.

2. Recursively copy all information in the directory. Use Robocopy C:\A C:\B /COPYALL /E /R:0 /DCOPY:T.

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3. Mirror the contents of folder A to folder B, deleting any files in B that do not exist in A. The Robocopy command for this is: Robocopy C:\A \\backupserver\B /MIR /Z.

What's the difference between Copy, Xcopy, and Robocopy?

After getting an in-depth understanding of copy, xcopy, and robocopy, the crux lies in knowing the major differences between them. Let's quickly compare copy with xcopy and robocopy based on their distinct features.

Additional Tip: Using Robocopy as an Alternative for Copying/Backing Up Files

The above three command line methods are all ways of copying files, which take up a lot of space. Therefore, a better choice is to make a backup.

Backups can sometimes be better, as they “copy” the files to a designated location by creating an image. The files are compressed, taking up less space and usually copying faster. So, you can choose to backup method as “Copy” or “Transfer” your files.

Common backup methods include Windows File History, backup software, or cloud backups (like Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.). If you're looking for a simple and convenient backup solution, the Todo Backup tool is an excellent choice. It allows you to create flexible backup types, such as file backup, disk backup, system backup, and even external HDD backup. Your files can even be backed up to NAS devices or the Todo Cloud.

If you accidentally delete an important file without a backup, don't worry. You can use data recovery software to recover deleted files.

Final Award

Hence, command-line directories such as Copy, Xcopy, and Robocopy are easily understood by novices and professionals alike. Starting with the basics, the “copy” command is used to copy files or data, “Xcopy” is used to copy multiple files or an entire directory tree from one directory to another, and so on. Lastly, “Robocopy” replaced “Xcopy” with numerous options.

After understanding the availability, examples, and different commands of Copy, Xcopy, and Robocopy, it becomes effortless to distinguish between these three command-line utilities. Based on their unique features, one can easily grasp their fundamental differences, allowing professionals to choose the most suitable command for their immediate needs. When comparing Copy vs. Xcopy vs. Robocopy, the crux lies in their individual functionalities and user requirements.