Ch 18 : Useful Linux File Transfer Tools

In this chapter, we’ll explore linux file transfer tools that allow you to move files between systems efficiently and securely. You’ll learn how to use tools like scp, rsync, lftp, to copy files, synchronize directories, and manage remote file transfers. By the end of this chapter, you’ll be able to transfer files like a seasoned professional.

Summary

Linux file transfer tools like scp, rsync, sftp, and rclone enable secure and efficient file sharing on Debian 12. These tools support backups, remote collaboration, and cloud integration, empowering beginners to manage data effectively.

Linux file transfer tools enable secure and efficient sharing of files across systems on Debian 12, essential for backups, remote collaboration, and data management. This chapter introduces commands like scp , rsync, and sftp to streamline file transfers for beginners, whether moving documents to a server or syncing with cloud storage.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this chapter, you’ll be able to securely copy files between local and remote systems, synchronize directories, and manage cloud-based transfers using powerful Linux file transfer tools, ensuring reliable and efficient workflows.

Why Learn Linux File Transfer Tools?

File transfers are crucial for backing up data, deploying projects, or sharing files in a small office. Linux file transfer tools like scp and rsync offer speed, security, and flexibility, making them indispensable for efficient system management.

Secure Copy with scp

scp securely copies files over SSH between local and remote systems.

• Local to remote:

  $ scp file.txt user@remote_host:/path/

• Remote to local:

  $ scp user@remote_host:/path/file.txt /local/

• Recursive directory:

  $ scp -r dir/ user@remote_host:/path/

Example:

$ scp report.pdf amar@192.168.1.100:/home/amar/docs/

Synchronizing Files

rsync efficiently syncs files by transferring only changes, preserving attributes.

• Local to remote:

  $ rsync -avz /local/dir/ user@remote_host:/remote/dir/

• Remote to local:

  $ rsync -avz user@remote_host:/remote/dir/ /local/dir/

• Dry run:

  $ rsync -avz --dry-run /local/dir/ user@remote_host:/remote/dir/

Example:

$ rsync -avz ~/projects/ amar@192.168.1.100:/backup/projects/

Interactive Secure Transfers

sftp provides secure, interactive file transfers over SSH.

$ sftp user@remote_host
$ sftp> get file.txt
$ sftp> put local.txt
$ sftp> quit

Example: Download a file:

$ sftp> get /remote/docs/report.pdf

FTP Transfers with lftp

lftp supports multiple protocols (FTP, SFTP, HTTP) with advanced features like mirroring.

$ sudo apt install lftp
$ lftp ftp://user:password@ftp.example.com
$ lftp> get file.txt
$ lftp> mirror /remote/dir/ /local/dir/
$ lftp> quit

Example:

$ lftp -e "get report.pdf; quit" ftp://user:pass@ftp.example.com

User-Friendly FTP

ncftp offers a simple interface for FTP with bookmarking.

Introduction to Command Line FTP Tools

Command line FTP tools are used to transfer files to and from FTP servers. They provide a user-friendly interface for interacting with FTP servers, allowing users to upload, download, and manage files on the server. In this tutorial, we will cover two popular command line FTP tools: Ncftp and Lftp.

Ncftp

What is Ncftp?

Ncftp is a command-line FTP tool that provides a user-friendly interface for interacting with FTP servers. It supports a wide range of features, including the ability to navigate directories, upload and download files, and manage file permissions.

Typical Use Cases:

• Uploading files to an FTP server
• Downloading files from an FTP server
• Managing files and directories on an FTP server

$ sudo apt install ncftp
$ ncftp ftp.example.com
$ ncftp> get file.txt
$ ncftp> get -R dir/
$ ncftp> quit

Example:

$ ncftp> get report.pdf

Commands:

• cd: change directory
• ls: list files and directories
• put: upload a file
• get: download a file
• mkdir: create a new directory
• rmdir: delete a directory

Lftp

What is Lftp?

Lftp is a command-line FTP tool that provides a user-friendly interface for interacting with FTP servers. It supports a wide range of features, including the ability to navigate directories, upload and download files, and manage file permissions.

Typical Use Cases:

• Uploading files to an FTP server
• Downloading files from an FTP server
• Managing files and directories on an FTP server

Example Usage:

Open a terminal and type:

lftp ftp.example.com

This will connect to the FTP server at ftp.example.com and provide a command-line interface for interacting with the server.

Commands:

• cd: change directory
• ls: list files and directories
• put: upload a file
• get: download a file
• mkdir: create a new directory
• rmdir: delete a directory

Advanced Features:

• mirror: download a entire directory and its contents
• upload: upload a entire directory and its contents
• queue: manage a queue of files to be uploaded or downloaded

 

Tips and Tricks:

• Use Ncftp and Lftp to transfer files to and from FTP servers.
• Use the mirror command to download a entire directory and its contents.
• Use the upload command to upload a entire directory and its contents.
• Use the queue command to manage a queue of files to be uploaded or downloaded.

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