{{ $('Map tags to IDs').item.json.title }}
Using scp and sftp for Secure File Transfers
Secure Copy Protocol (SCP) and SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) are two protocols that provide secure methods for transferring files over a network. In this tutorial, we will discuss how to use both scp and sftp for secure file transfers between servers and local machines.
1. Using SCP
scp is a command-line utility that allows you to transfer files securely between systems using SSH.
1.1. Basic Syntax
The basic syntax for using scp is as follows:
scp [options] source_file username@destination_host:/path/to/destination1.2. Copying a File to a Remote Server
To copy a local file to a remote server, you can use:
scp /path/to/local/file.txt username@remote_host:/path/to/remote/directory/Replace username with your remote username and remote_host with the server’s IP address or hostname.
1.3. Copying a File from a Remote Server
To copy a file from a remote server to your local machine, use:
scp username@remote_host:/path/to/remote/file.txt /path/to/local/directory/1.4. Using Options
Some common options you may find useful:
- -r: Recursively copy entire directories.
- -P: Specify a port if the SSH service is running on a non-standard port.
Example of copying a directory:
scp -r /path/to/local/directory username@remote_host:/path/to/remote/directory/2. Using SFTP
sftp is an interactive file transfer program that works over the SSH protocol. It provides a shell-like interface for transferring files securely.
2.1. Connecting to a Remote Server
To start an SFTP session, use:
sftp username@remote_hostYou will be prompted to enter your password for authentication.
2.2. Basic SFTP Commands
Once connected, you can use the following commands:
- ls: List files in the current remote directory.
- cd: Change to a different remote directory.
- lcd: Change to a different local directory.
- put: Upload a file from local to remote:
put local_file.txt /path/to/remote/directory/ - get: Download a file from remote to local:
get remote_file.txt /path/to/local/directory/ - exit: Close the SFTP connection.
3. Conclusion
Using scp and sftp provides secure methods for transferring files between systems. By understanding the commands and options available for both protocols, you can effectively manage your file transfers and ensure secure communication across your network. Feel free to explore additional options and features provided by both tools to enhance your workflow.
About the Author
