How to use SCP on Linux or other UNIX-based Environment

SCP is used to copy files securely over network. In order to use SCP, the remote host must be configured to use SSH server (OpenSSH on Linux system, including Ubuntu) and the user must have an account on remote server.

scp syntax is easy,


local:~$ scp <source> <username>@<remote_host>:<destination>

Example for copying local file to the users home directory on remote host, you can replace mypapit with your own username

local:~$ scp id_rsa_.pub mypapit@remote.host:~/

id_rsa.pub 100% 392 0.9KB/s 00:00

local:~$

To list the file on the remote directory, just run

local:~$ ssh mypapit@remote.host ls

temp_file.txt id_rsa.pub

and the content of remote directory will be displayed.

Copying file recursively
To copy file recursively, you only need to add “-r” switch. Add -v for verbose output.

Example:

local:~$ scp -rv ~/* username@remote.host:~/backup

Conclusion
SCP is easy to use especially when you want to copy or upload files from client to server without the use of FTP server. Additionally, the content of the files transfered is encrypted over SSH communication and you get the benefit of simplicity while working on the console.