How to Start an Interactive SFTP Session on Ubuntu

Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is a secure method used to transfer files between a local computer and a remote Ubuntu Linux server over an encrypted SSH connection. This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step tutorial on how to initiate an interactive SFTP session from your terminal, authenticate with your server, and use essential commands to manage your files.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following: * A remote Ubuntu server with SSH enabled. * The IP address or domain name of the Ubuntu server. * Your SSH username and password (or SSH private key). * A terminal application (on Linux/macOS) or Command Prompt/PowerShell (on Windows 10/11).

Step 1: Open Your Terminal

Open your local command-line interface. Since SFTP runs over SSH, you do not need to install any additional software; the standard sftp client is pre-installed on almost all modern operating systems.

Step 2: Run the SFTP Command

To initiate the connection, use the sftp command followed by your remote username and the server’s IP address or domain name.

sftp username@remote_server_ip

If your SSH server uses a custom port (other than the default port 22), specify the port using the -P flag:

sftp -P custom_port username@remote_server_ip

If you authenticate using an SSH private key instead of a password, use the -i flag to point to your key file:

sftp -i /path/to/private_key username@remote_server_ip

Step 3: Authenticate with the Server

If this is your first time connecting to the server, your terminal will display a message asking you to verify the authenticity of the host. Type yes and press Enter to continue.

Next, you will be prompted for credentials: * If using password authentication, type your password and press Enter (the characters will not appear on the screen as you type). * If using a key file protected by a passphrase, enter the passphrase when prompted.

Once successfully authenticated, your terminal prompt will change to:

sftp>

This indicates that you are now in an active, interactive SFTP session.

Step 4: Essential SFTP Commands

Now that you are connected, you can navigate the directories and transfer files. The following commands will help you manage your interactive session:

View current remote directory: pwd
View current local directory: lpwd
List files in the remote directory: ls
List files in the local directory: lls
Change remote directory: cd /path/to/directory
Change local directory: lcd /path/to/directory
Download a file from remote to local: get filename
Upload a file from local to remote: put filename

Step 5: Close the SFTP Session

Once you have finished transferring files, you can safely close the interactive session by typing either of the following commands:

sftp> exit

sftp> bye