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Forum Discussion
Exclude specific folder names with Smart Sync
I can see there's been a lot of demand for the "ignore files/folders with selective names" feature, but Dropbox is yet to consider an implementation.
Largely, what this does is (1) save on uploading unnecessary folders (such as node_modules) that take unnecessary space; and (2) save on downloading uncessary folders when adding a new device for syncing.
And by the way, Selective Sync doesn't solve this problem - as user responses have shown.
Now, there's the Smart Sync feature that solves problem #2 in some way. However, problem #1 is still there. Or does Smart Sync solve this too?
Yes Selective Syncing does not solve this problem at all. Been using Dropbox since the start and now that I'm doing Node development the lack of this feature has ruined the service for me. With the large number of files and sym links in the node_modules folder, syncing becomes a nuisance. I just noticed this feature request was declined. I will be leaving Dropbox. So terribly dissappointed in you! Shame on you!
- Rich
Super User II
djm2 wrote:
Yes Selective Syncing does not solve this problem at all. ... With the large number of files and sym links in the node_modules folder, syncing becomes a nuisance.
Note that symlinks are NOT supported in Dropbox and can cause sync issues and loss of data. I don't know what removing a symlinked folder from Dropbox will do. Make a backup first.
Temporarily remove the node_modules folder from your Dropbox. Once Dropbox has finished syncing, create an empty node_modules folder in Dropbox and use Selective Sync to remove it. Once the folder has disappeared, move the original node_modules folder back to Dropbox. Dropbox will start to sync it, realize that one exists in your account already and will mark it with a grey icon, meaning a Selective Sync conflict. You should now have a folder in your local Dropbox folder that will not sync.
I'd suggest testing this with an unimportant folder first, as it's been a while since I last did this and things may have changed.
That's a pain to do every time I create a project. Over 850 people liked the feature request. Looking for an alternative service... I know sym links aren't supported. That's half the point! I don't want the node_modules folder synced!
- Lusil
Dropbox Staff
Thank you @Lusil, for your prompt response.
I'm glad the "ignore files/folders by selective names" feature is being considered by your team, and I hope that we will find it in a soon-to-come update.
However, you did not answer my question. Or should I assume that my assumptions are true that Smart Sync doesn't solve problem #2 as highlighted in my question?
- Lusil
