W3docs

How to Copy a File from/to a Remote Server

SCP is being used to copy files from one machine to an other one. It can be used to transfer (download and upload) files vis ssh.

scp command is being used to copy files from a remote server to a local machine and vice versa. It uses ssh to do secure file transfer.

1. Copy a file from a remote server to a local machine

It will ask the password for remote user

Copy a file from remote server to local machine

scp [email protected]:/remote/path/to/file /local/path

* symbol can be used to copy multiple files by pattern like w3docs* which will copy w3docs.sql, w3docs1.pdf and etc.

2. Copy a directory from a remote server to a local machine

-r should be used for directories

Copy a directory from remote server to local machine

scp -r [email protected]:/remote/path/to/directory  /local/path

3. Copy a file from a local machine to a remote server

Copy a file from local machine to remote server

scp /local/file/path username@example:/remote/path

4. Copy a directory from a local machine to a remote server

-r should be used for directories

Copy a directory from local machine to remote server

scp -r /local/directory/path username@example:/remote/directory/path

5. Copy files by using RSA keys

If there is an identity key (RSA) instead of password than -i should be added

Copy files and directories on Amazon servers by using RSA key

scp -i /path/to/key [email protected]:/remote/path/to/file /local/path