SFTP
SSH File Transfer Protocol
ELI5 — The Vibe Check
SFTP is file transfer done the secure way. It uses SSH to encrypt everything — your password, the files, all of it. Despite the name, it's not FTP with encryption bolted on; it's a completely different protocol built on SSH. Always use SFTP, never plain FTP.
Real Talk
SFTP is a binary protocol that provides secure file access, transfer, and management over an SSH connection. It operates on port 22 (same as SSH) and supports all file operations: upload, download, rename, delete, and directory management. Not to be confused with FTPS (FTP over TLS).
Show Me The Code
# Connect via SFTP
sftp user@example.com
sftp -i ~/.ssh/key.pem ubuntu@server.com
# SFTP commands
ls, pwd, cd # navigate remote
lls, lpwd, lcd # navigate local
get remote.txt # download
put local.txt # upload
mkdir new-folder # create directory
When You'll Hear This
"Upload the deployment files via SFTP." / "Configure the SFTP server to use key-based authentication only."
Related Terms
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
FTP is the old-school way to transfer files to a server. You connect with a username and password and upload or download files.
Port
A port is like an apartment number on a building. Your computer is the building (localhost), and multiple services live inside.
Protocol
A protocol is just an agreed set of rules for how two parties communicate.
SSH (Secure Shell)
SSH is like a secure remote control for servers.