The SFTP command is used for secure file transfer over SSH (Secure Shell) connections. It provides a secure alternative to traditional FTP (File Transfer Protocol) by encrypting both commands and data transmitted between the client and server. SFTP commands are typically executed from a command-line interface (CLI) or scripted environment, allowing users to perform file transfer operations securely between their local system and a remote server using SSH authentication and encryption.
SFTP, or SSH File Transfer Protocol, is a secure file transfer protocol that operates over SSH connections. It enables encrypted file transfers between a client and a server, ensuring data confidentiality and integrity over potentially unsecured networks like the internet. An example of using SFTP involves connecting to a remote server using the command sftp username@hostname, entering the user’s password or using SSH keys for authentication, navigating directories, and performing file operations like uploading, downloading, renaming, or deleting files securely.
To send a file using SFTP, you first establish a secure connection to the remote server using the sftp command followed by the server’s hostname or IP address and your username. Once authenticated, navigate to the local directory containing the file you want to send using the cd command, followed by the remote directory on the server where you wish to upload the file. Use the put command followed by the filename to upload the file from your local system to the remote server securely. After the transfer completes, you can verify the file’s presence on the server using commands like ls to list files in the remote directory or exit to close the SFTP session and disconnect from the server.