2.4.24. scp

scp copies files and directories between computers over SSH.

2.4.24.1. Common scp usage

Using scp is helpful for copying single files or folders that aren’t too large. The general notation is similar to rsync:

scp -r [source] [destination]

The option, -r, allows you to copy folders (but this can be used with files regardless). Here are some examples:

File: Local to Server

scp file.txt van@pete.hpc.okstate.edu:/path/to/directory 

Directory: Local to Server

scp -r folder van@pete.hpc.okstate.edu:/path/to/directory 

Directory: Server to Local

scp -r van@pete.hpc.okstate.edu:/path/to/directory .

Recall that option, -r, is used for copying folders, but it can also copy files. The . means here, which assumes you are in the working directory where you need the file.