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Help Center›Remote Server Management›File Management with SSH Client

File Management with SSH Client

Last updated December 29, 2023

Introduction: SSH (Secure Shell) clients are not just for remote server connections; they are also powerful tools for efficient file management. Whether you need to upload, download, move, or organize files on a remote server, SSH clients provide a secure and flexible solution. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of managing files using an SSH client, enabling you to streamline your file-related tasks with ease.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Connect to the Remote Server:
  • Before you can manage files, establish an SSH connection to the remote server as outlined in our previous article on connecting to your server with an SSH client.
  1. Navigate to the Desired Directory:
  • Once connected, use the cd command to navigate to the directory where you want to perform file management tasks. bashCopy code cd /path/to/directory
  1. List Files and Directories:
  • Use the ls command to view the contents of the current directory. bashCopy code ls
  1. Create a New Directory:
  • To create a new directory, use the mkdir command followed by the directory name. arduinoCopy code mkdir new_directory
  1. Upload Files to the Server:
  • To upload files from your local machine to the server, use the scp (Secure Copy) command. rubyCopy code scp local_file username@server_ip_or_domain:/path/to/destination
  • Replace "local_file" with the name of the file on your local machine, and specify the server path where you want to copy the file.
  1. Download Files from the Server:
  • To download files from the server to your local machine, use the scp command in reverse order. rubyCopy code scp username@server_ip_or_domain:/path/to/remote_file local_destination
  • Replace "remote_file" with the name of the file on the server, and specify the local directory where you want to save the file.
  1. Copy and Move Files:
  • Use the cp command to copy files and directories within the server's file system. bashCopy code cpsource destination
  • Similarly, you can use the mv command to move files and directories. bashCopy code mvsource destination
  1. Rename Files:
  • To rename a file or directory, use the mv command and specify the new name. bashCopy code mv old_name new_name
  1. Remove Files and Directories:
  • To delete a file, use the rm command followed by the filename. bashCopy code rm filename
  • To remove a directory and its contents, use the rm command with the -r (recursive) flag. bashCopy code rm -r directory_name
  1. Change File Permissions: bashCopy code chmod permissions filename
  • Use the chmod command to change file permissions and control who can read, write, or execute a file.
  1. View File Contents: bashCopy code cat filename or Copy code less filename
  • You can view the contents of a text file using the cat or less command.
  1. Edit Files (Optional): Copy code nano filename
  • Use text editors like nano, vim, or emacs to edit files directly within the terminal.

Conclusion: Mastering file management with an SSH client empowers you to efficiently organize, transfer, and manipulate files on remote servers. By following this step-by-step guide, you can confidently perform a wide range of file-related tasks while maintaining the security and flexibility offered by SSH. Whether you're a system administrator, developer, or remote worker, these skills are essential for effective remote server management.

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