NAME

sync − Flush file system metadata and data from memory buffers to disk. 

SYNOPSIS

/sbin/sync

DESCRIPTION

The sync utility runs the sync function, which flushes (writes) system metadata and data from all unwritten memory buffers to disk.  For example, the data flushed includes, for UFS, modified inodes and delayed block I/O. 

Other commands that bring the system down, such as the shutdown command, issue their own sync functions. 

Use this sync utility to  ensure file system integrity should you need to stop the system under unusual circumstances. 

Note that the writing of buffers to disk, although scheduled, may not be complete when the utility exits. 

FILES

/sbin/sync
Specifies the command path

SEE ALSO

Functions: sync(2)