How to download a file from server using SSH?

Matheus Mello
Matheus Mello
September 2, 2023
Cover Image for How to download a file from server using SSH?

How to Download a File from Server Using SSH? 🚀

Downloading files from a server using SSH may seem daunting at first, but fear not! In this guide, we will walk you through the process step by step, so you can retrieve that precious file and have it ready on your desktop. Let's get started! 💪

Step 1: Connect to the Server 🔌

Ensure that you have SSH access to the server. Open your terminal (in this case, iTerm 2) and type the following command:

ssh username@server-address

Replace username with your actual username on the server and server-address with the IP address or domain name of the server you wish to connect to. Press Enter and provide your SSH password if prompted.

Step 2: Locate the File 📂

Once you're connected to the server, navigate to the directory where the file is located. You can use the cd command followed by the directory path to move around. For example:

cd /path/to/file

Make sure to replace /path/to/file with the actual directory path where your file resides. Use the ls command to list the files in the current directory and double-check that the file you want to download is present.

Step 3: Download the File 📥

Now that you know the file's location, it's time to bring it to your desktop! Use the scp command to securely copy the file from the server to your local machine:

scp username@server-address:/path/to/file .

In this command, username and server-address should be the same as in Step 1, and /path/to/file should be the path to your desired file on the server. The dot (.) at the end represents your current directory (the desktop in this case), so the file will be downloaded there. Press Enter and enter your SSH password if prompted.

Step 4: Celebrate! 🎉

That's it! You've successfully downloaded the file from the server using SSH. Now go ahead and check your desktop for the newly acquired file. 🙌

If you encounter any issues during the process, here are some common problems and their solutions:

  • Permission Denied: Make sure you have the necessary permissions to access the file on the server. Contact your server administrator if needed.

  • Incorrect File Path: Double-check that the file path you provided is correct. Typos happen, but correcting them can save you a lot of time.

  • Firewall Restrictions: If you're unable to connect to the server or experience slow speeds, it could be due to firewall restrictions. Reach out to your network administrator for assistance.

Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you experiment with SSH, the more comfortable you'll become with managing files on remote servers. Now that you have successfully downloaded a file using SSH, the possibilities are endless! 💡

Have you ever downloaded files from a server using SSH? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below. Happy downloading! 😊

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