Which RSYNC command flag is utilized to preserve permissions during file transfer?

The flag used with the RSYNC command to preserve permissions during file transfer is the -p option. This flag ensures that the original permissions of the files are maintained on the destination when the files are copied over.

In practice, preserving permissions is crucial for maintaining the integrity of files, especially on systems where access rights are tightly controlled and vary between users. By including the -p flag in your RSYNC command, you instruct the tool to replicate the same permission settings that the source files had, which is particularly important in environments where security roles and access control are enforced strictly.

The other flags represent different functionalities. For instance, the -r flag stands for "recursive," which allows the transfer of directories and their contents, but does not specifically address permissions. The -l flag deals with symlinks, copying symbolic links as links rather than the files they point to, and the -o flag is used to preserve the owner of the files, which is distinct from permissions themselves. Thus, the -p flag is specifically focused on preserving the permissions of the files involved in the transfer.