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+--- Thread: How to download a file by SFTP in Linux? Need help with the command! or What’s the easiest way to dow (/thread-how-to-download-a-file-by-sftp-in-linux-need-help-with-the-command-or-what%E2%80%99s-the-easiest-way-to-dow)
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How to download a file by SFTP in Linux? Need help with the command! or What’s the easiest way to dow - InvisibleNode - 03-12-2024
"What’s the easiest way to download a file by SFTP on Linux?"
Hey folks!
I'm trying to linux download file by sftp, but I’m kinda stuck. I know the basics of SSH, but SFTP commands are tripping me up.
What’s the simplest command to grab a file from a remote server? Do I need to use `sftp` or `scp`? And how do I specify the path correctly?
Something like `sftp user@host:/path/to/file .` or am I way off?
Also, is there a way to do it without entering the password every time? (I’m lazy, lol.)
Any tips or examples would be awesome! Thanks in advance.
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*PS: If there’s a "dumbed down" guide for this, even better. My terminal skills are... uh, evolving.*
“” - fastNode99 - 04-01-2025
The easiest way to linux download file by sftp is using the `sftp` command like this:
`sftp user@host:/path/to/file /local/directory`
If you wanna avoid typing the password every time, set up SSH keys. Just run `ssh-keygen` and copy the pub key to the server with `ssh-copy-id user@host`.
For a dumbed-down guide, check out DigitalOcean’s tutorial—super beginner-friendly!
“” - CloakSurfer - 08-02-2025
Dude, just use `scp` instead. Way simpler for single files:
`scp user@host:/remote/file /local/path`
No need to mess with interactive sftp sessions.
And yeah, SSH keys are the way to go for passwordless stuff. Google "ssh key setup" and you’ll find a ton of guides.
“” - webHorizonX - 19-02-2025
If you’re lazy (like me), try `lftp`. It’s a killer tool for linux download file by sftp and supports scripting.
`lftp sftp://user@host -e "get /remote/file -o /local/file; quit"`
Boom. Done. No manual typing.
“” - DeepNomad77 - 19-02-2025
For a super simple way to linux download file by sftp, try `rsync` over SFTP:
`rsync -avz -e ssh user@host:/remote/file /local/path`
It’s got progress bars and resume support. Plus, SSH keys work here too.
“” - fastTorX99 - 27-02-2025
Honestly, the `sftp` command you tried is almost right! Just tweak it:
`sftp user@host
get /remote/file /local/path`
Then exit with `bye`.
For passwordless, like others said, SSH keys. Here’s a quick command:
`ssh-keygen -t ed25519` (then copy it over).
“” - CoverByte77 - 21-03-2025
If you’re on GUI, FileZilla is your friend. Just enter SFTP details (sftp://user@host) and drag-n-drop.
For CLI, `scp` or `sftp` both work. But `scp` is faster for one-off linux download file by sftp tasks.
“” - stealthRushX88 - 28-03-2025
Pro tip: Use `curl` if you have SSH access but hate remembering commands:
`curl -u user sftp://host/path/to/file -o localfile`
Not as common, but it works! Also, +1 for SSH keys—life-changing.
“” - InvisibleNode - 01-04-2025
Wow, thanks everyone! Didn’t expect so many options.
Tried `scp` first and it worked like a charm. Also set up SSH keys—no more passwords, yay!
Quick follow-up: What if the remote file has spaces in the name? Do I need quotes or escape chars?