NAME

sync − update super-block

SYNOPSIS

void sync ( )

HP-UX COMPATIBILITY

Level: HP-UX/RUN ONLY

Origin: System V

DESCRIPTION

Sync causes all information in memory that should be on disc to be written out.  This includes modified super blocks, modified i-nodes, and delayed block I/O. 

sync should be used by programs which examine a file system, for example fsck, df, etc. Sync is mandatory before stopping the system (such as when rebooting) in order to ensure the preservation of file system integrity.

The writing, although scheduled, is not necessarily complete upon return from sync.

In some HP-UX systems, sync may be reduced to a no-op.  This is permissible on a system which does not cache buffers, or in a system that in some way ensures that the discs are always in a consistent state. 

SEE ALSO

sync(8), reboot(2), reboot(1M). 

Hewlett-Packard  —  last mod. May 11, 2021