HoboCopy

HoboCopy is a command-line application designed to copy and backup the data on your computer. The program resembles Robocopy to some extent and was inspired by it, but there are several significant differences between the two.

Despite having a few common characteristics, the two program are essentially different, functionality wise. In contrast with Robocopy, which is a full-featured backup tool, HoboCopy encases a limited set of functions that arrange for basic backup and copy operations.

HoboCopy relies on the Volume Shadow Service to produce snapshots of the disk prior to the copy operation, whereas Robocopy does not make use of this built-in Windows feature at all.

Even though the program features support for basic backup operations, it is not recommended to use it on important data. Given the fact that it is a hobby project at the core, HoboCopy fails to provide the complete set of features that a full-featured backup tool does.

It cannot perform differential backups, for instance, nor can it maneuver files for which it does not have permission to copy. As such, it is designed for simple purposes and basic needs.

HoboCopy can be instructed to perform backup or transfers via a set of CMD arguments, which will allow the end user to execute full, incremental or recursive copies of the specified data, as well as to delete the destination folder prior to backup or to simply simulate the operation (the transfer will not be performed, but you get a preview of how it’s done).

All aspects considered, HoboCopy provides a collection of basic features that will serve simple purposes, such as copying the contents of a folder to another. More advanced backup options should be considered in future releases, so as to increase its value on the software market.