scp Command in Linux with Examples

Last Updated on December 8, 2023 by Abhishek Sharma

The SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) command in Linux is a powerful tool used to securely transfer files and directories between local and remote hosts. It encrypts the data during transmission, ensuring confidentiality and integrity. SCP operates over SSH (Secure Shell) and provides a secure way to transfer files between machines over a network. Understanding SCP and its various options can significantly enhance your efficiency in managing files across different systems within a network.

This article will delve into the basics of SCP, providing comprehensive insights into its usage, options, and practical examples to facilitate seamless file transfers in Linux environments.

What is scp Command in Linux with Examples?

SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) in Linux is a command-line utility that enables secure and encrypted file transfers between a local and a remote host or between two remote hosts. It operates over SSH (Secure Shell) and provides a secure method for copying files and directories while ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.

Examples of scp Command in Linux

Here are some examples demonstrating the usage of SCP:

1. Copying a file from local to remote host:
To copy a file named example.txt from your local machine to a remote server with the username username and the IP address remote_host into the remote directory /path/to/destination:

scp /path/to/local/example.txt username@remote_host:/path/to/destination

2. Copying a file from remote to local host:
To copy a file named example.txt from a remote server to your local machine’s directory /path/to/destination:

scp username@remote_host:/path/to/remote/example.txt /path/to/destination

3. Copying directories and their contents:
To copy an entire directory and its contents recursively from your local machine to a remote server:

scp -r /path/to/local/directory username@remote_host:/path/to/destination

4. Copying files between remote hosts:
To copy a file from one remote server to another:

scp username1@remote_host1:/path/to/file username2@remote_host2:/path/to/destination

5. Using a non-default SSH port:
If the SSH service on the remote host is running on a non-default port (e.g., port 2222), you can specify the port with the -P flag:

scp -P 2222 /path/to/local/file username@remote_host:/path/to/destination

6. Preserving file attributes (modification times, access times, and modes):
To preserve file attributes during the transfer, use the -p flag:

scp -p /path/to/local/file username@remote_host:/path/to/destination

7. Specifying the identity file (private key) for authentication:
If you want to specify a different identity file for SSH authentication, use the -i flag:

scp -i /path/to/private_key /path/to/local/file username@remote_host:/path/to/destination

These examples demonstrate the versatility of SCP in securely transferring files and directories between local and remote hosts or between remote hosts in a Linux environment.

Conclusion:
Mastering the SCP command in Linux empowers users to securely transfer files and directories across different machines. Its integration with SSH ensures data security during transmissions, making it an invaluable tool for system administrators, developers, and anyone managing multiple systems within a network. By understanding the various options and functionalities of SCP, users can efficiently manage file transfers, backups, and remote operations, thereby streamlining their workflow and enhancing productivity.

With a solid grasp of SCP, users can confidently navigate file transfers between local and remote hosts, ensuring data integrity and security while simplifying the management of files and directories in Linux environments.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about SCP Command in Linux

Here are some of the FAQs related to scp Command in Linux:

1. What is SCP in Linux?
SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) is a command-line tool used in Linux for securely transferring files and directories between a local and a remote host. It operates over SSH and encrypts the data during transmission, ensuring secure and reliable file transfers.

2. How do I use SCP to copy files between local and remote hosts?
To copy files from a local host to a remote host, use the following syntax:

scp /path/to/local/file username@remote_host:/path/to/destination

To copy files from a remote host to a local machine, use:

scp username@remote_host:/path/to/file  /path/to/destination

3. What are some common options used with SCP?
Some common options used with SCP include:

• -r: Recursively copy entire directories.
• -P: Specify a non-default SSH port for the connection.
• -p: Preserve modification times, access times, and modes from the original file.
• -i: Specify the identity file (private key) for public key authentication.

4. How can I transfer entire directories using SCP?
To transfer directories and their contents, use the -r option with SCP. For example:

scp -r /path/to/local/directory username@remote_host:/path/to/destination

5. Can I resume interrupted file transfers with SCP?
SCP does not support resuming interrupted transfers by default. However, tools like rsync or using the -C option with SCP for compression can help in case of interrupted transfers.