Real-time folder monitoring for duplicate detection involves specialized software that automatically scans a designated folder the moment files are added or modified. Instead of requiring manual scans, these tools continuously watch the file system for changes. Upon detecting a new file, they instantly compare it against existing files within the folder, or predefined criteria, to identify duplicates based on content (like checksums) or attributes (like filename and size).

This capability is particularly useful in scenarios involving large volumes of frequently updated files. For instance, photographers or graphic designers can use applications like Duplicate File Finder Plus or specialized scripts to monitor their 'Downloads' or 'Incoming Projects' folder, preventing accidental duplicate image backups from clogging their workspace. Similarly, in software development teams, monitoring shared code repositories can alert developers if duplicate configuration files are inadvertently committed via integrations with IDEs or Git hooks.

The main advantage is immediate action, saving time and disk space proactively. However, continuous scanning can consume significant system resources, potentially impacting performance on slower machines or large folders. Ethically, users must ensure they have permission to scan monitored folders, especially shared or network locations. As storage grows, expect tighter OS integration and cloud-based monitoring services, making this technology more accessible and efficient for managing data sprawl.