What is the difference between OST and PST files in MS outlook app?

OST (Offline Storage Table) and PST (Personal Storage Table) files are both used by Microsoft Outlook to store data, but they serve different purposes :

OST Files

Purpose:OST files are used to store a synchronized copy of your mailbox data from an Exchange server, Office 365, or Outlook.com account. This allows you to work offline and have your changes synchronized when you reconnect to the server.
Usage:Ideal for environments where you need to access your email, calendar, contacts, and tasks without an internet connection.
Changes made offline (e.g., reading, composing emails) are updated on the server once you reconnect.
Synchronization:Automatically syncs with the server, ensuring that your local copy and the server copy are always up-to-date.
Accessibility:
Tied to the specific Outlook profile and cannot be easily imported into another profile.

PST Files

Purpose: PST files are used to store data locally on your computer. They are commonly used for POP3 email accounts or for archiving and backing up emails.
Usage: Suitable for personal email storage, archiving old emails, or transferring emails between computers.
Not synchronized with a server, so changes made in the PST file do not reflect on the server.
Portability: Can be easily imported and exported between different Outlook profiles and computers.
Storage: Stores emails, calendar events, contacts, and tasks locally, making it useful for backup purposes.

Key Differences

1. Synchronization: OST files sync with the server, while PST files do not.
2. Accessibility: OST files are tied to a specific profile and server, whereas PST files can be moved and imported across different profiles.

Usage: OST files are used for accounts that need offline access and synchronization, while PST files are used for local storage and backups.