Rsync replaced with openrsync on macOS Sequoia (derflounder.wordpress.com)

Article summary

Apple has replaced rsync with openrsync on macOS Sequoia, citing compatibility issues with the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 3. Openrsync is an implementation of rsync that is licensed under the ISC license, a permissive license that places minimal restrictions on how the software can be used. This change may cause issues for Mac admins who rely on rsync functionality, as openrsync only accepts a subset of rsync's command line arguments. The change allows Apple to ship updated versions of openrsync without worrying about GPL compliance.

Main themes

• rsync replacement
• GPL license issues
• openrsync compatibility
• macOS updates
• command line tools
• licensing and compliance

What commenters say

• The replacement of rsync with openrsync is a welcome change, as the old version of rsync was outdated and lacked features.
• Apple's decision to avoid the GPL license is driven by a desire to avoid potential legal issues and maintain control over their software.
• The use of openrsync may cause problems for users who rely on rsync functionality, particularly those who use custom scripts or third-party tools.
• The GPL license is not a barrier to using open-source software, and Apple's decision to avoid it is unnecessary and overly cautious.
• The development of openrsync as a separate implementation of rsync is a positive step towards creating a standardized protocol for file transfer and synchronization.
• Apple's decision to replace rsync with openrsync is a sign of their commitment to using permissive licenses and avoiding copyleft licenses like the GPL.
• The compatibility issues with openrsync may be a significant problem for some users, and alternative solutions such as installing the original rsync from Homebrew may be necessary.
• The discussion around openrsync highlights the importance of considering licensing and compliance issues when developing and using open-source software.