Both "sync" and "cp" are commands in Unix-like operating systems that can be used to copy files from one location to another, but they have some differences:

• "cp" (short for "copy") is a command that simply copies files from one location to another. For example, you might use "cp" to copy a file from your home directory to a USB drive.

• "sync" is a command that ensures that all data is written to a disk or storage device. It is often used in situations where data needs to be transferred reliably, such as when copying files to a USB drive or when creating backups.

In simpler terms, "cp" just copies files while "sync" ensures that the copied data is written to the disk or storage device. If you're just copying files for personal use, "cp" is usually sufficient. However, if you need to make sure that the copied data is written accurately to the destination device, use "sync".